 The preface also reveals the strong idealist backdrop against which Alexander’s work is set: the monograph is dedicated to A. C. Bradley, and in the preface Alexander personally thanks D. G. Ritchie, William Wallace, R. L. Nettleship, and J. S. Haldane. Alexander adds that he owes a special debt of gratitude to F. H. Bradley, who went through the essay with him (Alexander 1889: ix). Alexander continued to exchange philosophic ideas with many of these idealists throughout their lives.