This work looks closely at the relationship between William Faulkner and Memphis novelist Joan Williams. Their story is significant not only in its depth but also in the years of their primary involvement, 1949-1953--a period over which Faulkner won both the Nobel Prize and a National Book Award. This is the first book-length study of the Faulkner-Williams relationship, and the first truly attentive consideration of Joan Williams, her impressions of Faulkner, and her commitment to writing. Until now, Williams, an acclaimed novelist, was an "outside" woman in Faulkner's life. Their affair and friendship is worthy of its own story.

Included here are extensive interviews with Williams conducted over several years about her relationship with Faulkner, their correspondence, and discussions of both his work and her own. It includes all of Williams's letters to Faulkner and his letters, either directly reproduced or paraphrased.