Born January 6, 1923, in Antwerp, Belgium, Professor George Wickes, due to his mother's heritage, spoke French as a first language. He served with the United States Army and later with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which later evolved to become the CIA, acting as a spy in Vietnam after World War II, at one time having a bounty on his head. His time in the army lasted from 1943 to 1946, after which he attended college on the GI Bill, graduating from the University of Toronto in Canada in 1944, followed by his Masters in Arts at Columbia University in 1949, and his Ph.D. in Philosophy in 1954 from University of California, Berkeley. He began his illustrious teaching career at Duke University for three years, followed by a move to Claremont, California to become one of the founding faculty members of Harvey Mudd College, at where he remained for twelve years. Professor Wickes was awarded a one-year appointment at the University of Oregon beginning in 1970, and remained in that post for almost fifty years, despite his initial retirement in 1993, he remained teaching until 2015. He is 95 years of age at present and still living, with his wife a professor, Louise Westling, in Eugene, Oregon. George Wickes was a friend of Henry Miller's, writing a book about him (Henry Miller: Down and Out in Paris), and edited several volumes of correspondence between Henry Miller and other individuals. Another notable individual, about whom George knew, communicated with, and wrote, was Natalie Clifford Barney, the subject of George's book, "The Amazon of Letters". Henry Miller, born December 26, 1891, was a prolific writer, the author of such notable texts such as Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Quiet Days in Clichy, Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch, and many more. Many knew Miller for his surrealist style, with an unapologetic crudeness at times, beauty in simplicity at others. Miller was also a painter of watercolors, enjoyed this escape from his writing, especially during his final years in Big Sur, California, and died June 7, 1980. Natalie Clifford Barney, born October 31, 1876, is best known for holding her literary salon for over 60 years, located at 20 rue de Jacob, in Paris. Natalie was born in Dayton, Ohio, but soon relocated permanently to Paris. Natalie Clifford Barney was a notable writer and lesbian, well known for her many love affairs, including that of with Dolly Wilde (niece of Oscar), Romaine Brooks, Renee Vincent and many others. She wrote several books in French, and only one in English language, though she spoke both languages fluently. George Wickes obtained her blessing for his manuscript prior to her passing February 2, 1972.