"What exactly is biotechnology?" or "How should I feel about the applications of biotechnology?," I think you will find this book gives you a thorough introduction to a fascinating subject. In the end, individual attitudes to biotechnology are rooted in our core beliefs about nature and human nature. Whether you believe biotechnology can carry us to an abundant new world or is more likely to leave us floundering on hidden shoals, the outcomes remain to be seen. My own journey of exploration in the research and writing of this book ends with its publication, but I will keep following the story in journals and through the news, as I've no doubt that biotechnology will, in one way or another, increasingly affect my life and the lives of all of us.

I want to thank Trudy Rising for inviting me to write this book and having the faith that I could do it. Michelle Campbell made many encouraging and helpful observations on early drafts, and Susan Lawrence helped to guide the manuscript to its final form. Thorough analyses of the manuscript by Jonathan Bocknek and Dr. Lois Edwards, and a team of reviewers—nonscientists, scientists, proponents and opponents of aspects of biotechnology—all contributed to the book's development, my approach, and my understanding of the differing perspectives that needed to be presented. Naturally, any errors in the text (of which I hope there are few or none), are mine alone.