To Justin Champion (1960–2020) Paulina Kewes Click for larger view View full resolution Photo courtesy of Historyworks Editor's Acknowledgment I have incurred several debts in preparing this special issue. The original stimulus came when Dr. Roy Ritchie, then Director of Research at the Huntington Library, generously invited me to organize a conference on the theme of "Ancient Rome and Early Modern England: Literature, History, and Politics." This was held at the Huntington in January 2011, and its sequel was at Jesus College Oxford in May 2011. Sue Doran, Felicity Heal, Mark Goldie, Rob Hume, Patricia Osmond, Noel O'Sullivan, Malcolm Smuts, William St. Clair, Arthur Williamson, and Blair Worden gave generously of their time and advice. Much of the work was carried out at the Huntington, and I am grateful for the hospitality of Dr. Steve Hindle, the Director of Research, and the helpfulness and efficiency of the Library staff. At the HLQ, Sara K. Austin has been an exemplary editor, and Susan Green an eagle-eyed copy editor, and I was lucky to work with them both. For meticulous research assistance, I owe thanks to Kelsey Jackson Williams. Jesus College and the Faculty of English at the University of Oxford provided invaluable financial support. [End Page vi] Copyright © 2021 Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery