The first series of this collection consists primarily of photocopies of letters that James Perkins used in compiling his Selected Letters of Robert Penn Warren (Volume 4). These letters are organized chronologically and separated according to whether or not they were used in the final version of the book. Additionally, this series houses correspondence and notes documenting this work and material showing Perkins' book of short stories entitled Snakes, Butterbeans, and the Discovery of Electricity (1990).

The second series of this collection houses material showing David Madden: A Writer for All Genres. This book constitutes a collection of essays by authors interested in Madden's work and style. Additionally, this series houses correspondence about the book and an edited manuscript.

Interested researchers may also wish to consult MS.2682: James A. Perkins Papers, 1997-2002; MS.2834: James Perkins' The Cass Mastern Material Papers, 1996-2005; MS.2919: James A. Perkins Book Materials, 1997-2004 (Bulk 2000); and MS.3057: James Perkins' Selected Letters of Robert Penn Warren (Volume 3) Material, 2004-2006, for more information about Perkins' life and work.