This collection includes correspondence, familial and personal records, short stories and research materials (published and unpublished) of Lawrence Edwards from his time as a graduate student and teacher at the University of Tennessee.

Lawrence Edwards wrote stories dealing primarily with growing up in his native Speedwell and with rural life in general. His research studies concern the letters of Jacob Tonson, the allegory of Thomas Usk's Testament of Love, the religion of Browning, the history of the Baptists of Tennessee (with particular attention to the Primitive Baptists of East Tennessee,) religion and education in antebellum Tennessee, and use of the library.

Edwards' correspondence comes mostly from family, friends, students, and colleagues. Of particular interest are letters from Jesse Stuart and Tennessee Ernie Ford. His genealogical research concerns old families of Speedwell. Edwards' published works have been catalogued and removed to the Rare Books Collection.