Final answer:
A.J. Hartley had a special friendship with David Hewson, with whom he collaborated on novelizations of Shakespeare's works, indicating a shared passion for literature and a personal bond.
Step-by-step explanation:
The person with whom A.J. Hartley is often associated regarding a special friendship is David Hewson. A.J. Hartley, an author and scholar, collaborated with Hewson on novelizations of Macbeth and Hamlet, which were attributed to have been based on the works of William Shakespeare.
This collaboration showed not only a professional partnership but also hinted at a deeper, more personal connection. Both Hartley and Hewson had a shared passion for bringing classic literature to new life for contemporary audiences, thereby creating a special bond over their artistic endeavors.