‘You know, Barney, I think my writing days are over’ Beckett writes in 1954 when most of his output was still ahead of him. And later, ‘Sick of all this old vomit and despair more and more of ever being able to puke again. In a world where writers switch publishers at the first shake of a martini pitcher, our trans-Atlantic communications seemed to float on a sea of tranquility and trust.' – from Dear Mr. Beckett    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; through their embrace, they shifted and turned the tide of literature in America. Among the many never before published entries: - Beckett's discussion about acting with his long time director, Alan Schneider. - Susan Sontag correspondence on her Godot production in Sarajevo. - The comprehensive Endgame file about the controversial production in Cambridge Mass which proceeded against Beckett's wishes. - Comprehensive file on the genesis and development of Beckett's Rockaby with Billie Whitelaw. - Comprehensive file on Rosset's termination from Grove, the press he founded and championed.