Notes, outlines, memos, and lists relating to the novella manuscript, from various stages of revision, and David Van Vactor's writing. Some pages have short excerpts with corresponding notes. Many pages are titled and several are dated, between 1961 and 1966, although usually without the year. A note by Van Vactor also explains the origins of the manuscript and his inspiration for writing.

Oversized folded draft of pages 1-7 of what appears to be the first chapter. The handwritten pages, which introduce the main character, are written in ink and heavily annotated with many notes in the margins.

Oversized folded draft of pages 8-18 of what appears to be the first chapter, handwritten in ink. This is a continuation of the opening scene and is heavily annotated with notes and edits in pencil.

Early draft with notes of chapter 1, written out of order in ink and pencil.

Drafts at various stages of what appears to be a rewrite of the first chapter. Includes multiple copies with editing marks, one of which is handwritten in pencil. A xerox copy of one version is incomplete and heavily annotated.

Includes two early handwritten drafts of chapter II, two copies of chapters III-VIII together (one xerox copy and one regular typescript), and one copy of chapters II and III together, all enclosed in a folder labeled "Typescripts, at various stages." Most pages are annotated and revised with short notes and edits.

Two xerox and one regular typescript copies of chapters II-VIII, including some edits and notes.

Handwritten draft copies of Chapter IX drafts, also identified as part 2, two of which are early incomplete copies that are heavily annotated. There is a full handwritten copy of the chapter, with some annotation, and a photocopy.

Two xerox copies of Chapter IX (also referred to as part 2), one of which includes some notes and annotation. There is also an incomplete part that is edited similarly to the full annotated copy.

Handwritten (pencil) draft of Chapter X with notes, enclosed in a folder labeled "Ch X only two drafts written."

Two incomplete xerox copies of Chapter X that are missing the ending, and a complete regular typescript copy that includes handwritten notes, edits, and inserts.

Two regular typescript and two xerox copies of Chapter X, with some notes and editing.

Early handwritten drafts and notes labeled as parts 2 and 3, which are early versions of chapters IX and X.

Unlabeled and unidentified pages, excerpts, and drafts from various stages in the writing and editing process.

Folder labeled "Typescripts for final typing (I think)," which contains xerox copies and regular typescript pages of later drafts with inserts and edits, starting at Chapter IV.

Draft of chapters I-VIII in a composition book within a labeled folder that indicates it does not include the re-write of chapter I. Pages are mostly handwritten and are loosely in order.

Correspondence from David Van Vactor's time writing, editing, and attempting to publish his manuscript, dated 1965-1971. Also included is a 3-page short story by David L. Van Vactor.