This book was inspired by a cousin of ours John Carrick Greene of the historic village of Tilting, Fogo Island, Newfoundland. In 2003, John wrote "Of Fish and Family", a book examining the genealogy of each family who called Tilting home, one of whom was the Burke family. The story of Michael Burke is emblematic of the tenacity, wit and inherent compassion that resides in the hearts of all Tilting folk; we are forever grateful to John for helping us bring Michael back to life, and beg his forgiveness as we play with the facts a little. John is also the author of "Between Starvation And Damnation," a history of Newfoundland politics pre-1885 period, detailing a period of dynamism in which Philip Little changed the politics of the island by attaining responsible democratic government from Britain for Newfoundland.