The Benjamin Taylor Papers includes correspondence with many American and European authors, as well as the manuscript version of his novel, Tales Out of School (1995) and his major work of nonfiction, Into the Open: Reflections on Genius and Modernity (1995). Also included is material towards the essay: “The Question of Jewishness and the Question of Writing: A Conversation with Edmond Jabès.”

The Jarvis Thurston Papers consist primarily of correspondence relating to Washington University's Department of English and its visiting writers program. The most significant part of the Thurston collection is the correspondence from James T. Farrell to Thurston and Van Duyn. These letters are of a more personal nature and often discuss literary matters such as Van Duyn's work. A small group of manuscripts, notably two drafts of a Thurston short story, "The Cross," is also included.

The Alexander Trocchi Papers include manuscripts of his novels, stories, essays and poems, the extant archives of Merlin, most of his manuscripts and correspondence concerning the Sigma Project, material relating to a large number of projects Trocchi was involved with in the 1960’s, and his journals and notebooks. The Trocchi Papers also house an extensive collection of magazines and ephemera, including material relating to the International Situationist movement.

The Mona Van Duyn Papers contain manuscripts and editorial matter toward her books, including the award-winning Near Changes. In addition, there are numerous drafts of individual poems and correspondence from and manuscripts by numerous literary figures.

The Washington University Centennial Papers Presented at 1876 World's Fair Collection consists of two bound volumes of autograph educational work presented at the Missouri exhibit by Washington University freshman, sophomore, and senior classes on topics including the United States Constitution, English Literature, English History, Latin, Analytical Geometry, Algebra, and Descriptive Geometry.