The surprising human stories behind book dedications, old and new, and what they tell us about the times. Book dedications reflect humor, drama and even mystery. What childless children's book author created imaginary children to dedicate his books to? Why did a book dedication almost cost an English Lord his head? Who dedicated his memoir to a body part? What famous doctor waited too late to credit his wife for her contributions to his bestselling book? The author presents book dedications that span the ages, from lovely Elizabethan stanzas to the imaginative and sometimes tawdry offerings of more recent times. She provides commentary on most dedications. This is a fun romp through literature's back streets and alleys.