This volume, “Stellar Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics”, arises from a meeting held 25–29 June 2001 to celebrate the sixtieth birthday earlier that year of Douglas Gough. Douglas has been and continues to be an inspiring and enthusiastic teacher and colleague to many, as well as a highly original and influential researcher in astrophysical fluid dynamics. Many colleagues and former research students (the categories are far from mutually exclusive) came together to celebrate, of course, but also for scientific discussions of the highest quality. The meeting fully lived up to its title of “New Developments in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics”, and although the title of the present volume has been specialiseda little to emphasise the dominant stellar aspect, the full breadth of the meeting's science is retained.

The choice of venue at the Chateau de Mons, an armagnac-producing chateau in the Gers region of south-west France, was inspired and highly appropriate given Douglas's love of the region and its spirit. The food, wine and armagnac blended with the science, celebration and personal interactions to make a truly memorable week. One particular high spot occurred during a banquet after the first day of the meeting when Douglas was initiated as a Mousquetaire d'Armagnac, a brotherhood dedicated to promoting the enjoyment of armagnac throughout the World.