At all times, friendship has had high moral and social value. What is the peculiarity and moral meaning of this form of human affection? What determines the depth and strength of friendship? How have its ideals and criteria changed historically? How does youth friendship differ from adult friendship and how does it relate to other human attachments? These questions are addressed by Doctor of Philosophy, Professor I.S. Con. This edition has been supplemented with new materials on sociology and developmental psychology of communication. The book is intended for a wide range of readers.