Examines the history of female friendship, looking at how women were once considered to be incapable of the highest forms of friendship, and how they were able to co-opt this relationship ideal for themselves over the years.

Looking for friendship in the Bible -- Philosophers and clerics -- Premodern nuns -- Gossips and soul mates -- Precious ladies -- Patriotic friendships -- Romantic friendships -- Quilt, pray, club -- College girls, city girls, and the new woman -- Eleanor Roosevelt and her friends -- From couplehood to sisterhood -- Friendtimacy -- Give and take : friendship in a market economy -- Can women and men be "just friends"? -- Female friendship : what endures.