Current and much-needed, this book offers an analysis of the social forces which shape the way friendship is organized. Through varying perspectives, contributors show that a variation exists within--as well as between--the genders. They focus on diversity in mens friendships, and how men develop and maintain friendships with other men and women. Part I focuses on philosophical and historical questions; Part II illustrates the strong connection between social structure and mens friendships; and the final chapters consider cultural diversity. Mens Friendships reorganizes existing knowledge and introduces fresh perspectives within the framework of mens studies. This volume is sure to stimulate debate, raise questions, and offer suggestions for future research. "A very interesting collection, particularly those on black mens relationships--where the author compares working class and middle class black American mens relationships--a history of friendship and the changing nature of mens intimacy and power, and intimacy and sexuality in male athletes friendships." --Working with Men "Theory and research on mens studies are alive and well, and Peter Nardis edited book, Mens Friendships, is a significant contribution to this literature. The book not only provides a useful account of how men develop and maintain their friendships, it introduces a variety of rigorous approaches (historical, sociological, and cross-cultural) to examine this topic." --Journal of Mens Studies "Provides a thought-provoking, multifaceted look at how men handle friendship under a variety of conditions. . . . Some of the authors present data-based research findings; others give reflective integrative essays. General readers, undergraduate students, and above." --Choice "Theory and research on mens studies are alive and well, and Peter Nardis edited book, Mens Friendships, is a significant contribution to this literature. The book not only provides a useful account of how men develop and maintain their friendships, it introduces a variety of rigorous approaches (historical, sociological, and cross-cultural) to examine this topic. . . . Mens Friendships is not only an important contribution to mens studies, it is necessary reading for anyone interested in studying friendships." --The Journal of Mens Studies "Overall, this book demonstrates the vitality of research and theory on mens friendships. Mens Friendships is not only an important contribution to mens studies, it is necessary reading for anyone interested in studying relationships." --Personal Relationships Issues "The anthology . . . provides an excellent overview of the permutations of mens friendships. It is both tightly organized and wide ranging, a particularly difficult accomplishment for a collection. . . . Mens Friendships is one of the most interesting additions to the growing friendship literature. It significantly opens up the debate over gender differences in friendship--both within and between genders." --Masculinities