In my latest non-fiction book, I have exceeded what I consider to be 'fair use' in copying material from a 1977 book, thus I want to request permission to use the material. However, the author is dead, and the publisher is long out of business. I this case, what should I do? Can I go ahead and use the material and cross my fingers, or is there an additional step I should take first. Thanks, Jack Harpster