(Invited) Story behind the Nonlinear Fiber Optics book

The first edition of my book Nonlinear Fiber Optics was published in 1989. It was followed by several editions, the sixth one appearing in 2019. I have been often asked what motivated me to write a book on nonlinear fiber optics. The editors of this special issue have invited me to write an account of my activities during the 1980s that led to the publication of the book. After explaining how I entered the field of nonlinear fiber optics, I briefly discuss my research activities that led me to consider writing a book in this area. I also provide a few interesting details related to the writing and submitting of a camera-ready printed copy of the book's manuscript.