From Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville to the Beat threesome of Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Neal Cassady, American writers have formed friendships of high intensity, fierce competition, and extreme need. Richard Lingeman explores the passions and betrayals that have enlivened the most significant, most fruitful friendships in American letters. Random House, 2006. Retail $24.95 (cloth). Availability: Usually ships in 5-7 business days. 1400060451$10.95 33 Irving Place, New York New York 10003 212-209-5400 http://www.thenation.com Copyright © 2008 The Nation