R.E. Batchelor is an experienced teacher of Spanish and the author of numerous books in this and related fields, including Using Spanish (with C. Pountain 1992), Using Spanish Synonyms (1994), Using French (3rd edition, 2000), and Using French Synonyms (with M. Offord, 1993). He has also published numerous articles of literary, philosophical and historical interest. Miguel A. San Jose is Deputy Head Teacher at the Instituto de Educacion Secundaria 'La Merced' in Valladolid, Spain. He is also a national examiner in various subjects. He has studied in a number of fields and his rich and varied background has inspired his published writings, short stories and poetry.