Sergei Dovlatov (1941-1990) and Igor' Efimov, peers, compatriots and writers, became close friends in emigration. Dovlatov's letters are sincere, smart, bitter, and funny like almost everything Dovlatov wrote. Dovlatov was one of very few among modern Russian writers who became quite successful and popular with American publishers and readers. Supplements include two essays, by Efimov on the first anniversary of Dovlatov's death and by Ia. Gordin about Igor' Efimov and his literary works; name index.