Through letters, contracts, photos, interviews, speeches, reviews, and memorabilia--most of which has never before been made public--a rare personal and professional friendship unfolds between these two oddly shy daredevils, shifting and turning the tide of literature in America. Barney Rosset, more than any other publisher, fiercely advocated for the most daring and influential writers of the 20th century. Through his Grove imprint, whole generations have embraced some of the greatest playwrights of our time, including Genet, Pinter, Mamet, Ionesco, D.H. Lawrence, and of course Samuel Beckett. Scholars, students, and fans of literary letters will find this volume beguiling reading--Publisher.