This small collection consists almost entirely of correspondence to and from John E. Hart relating to the writing of his biography of Floyd Dell, which was published in 1971 as part of the Twayne's United States Authors Series. The bulk of the correspondence between Hart and Floyd Dell reflects the creative - and sometimes difficult - process of Hart's project of writing the biography. In addition there are letters of Hart's to and from Dell's wife, B. Marie Dell, the Newberry Library, and a number of publishers. Also, two photographs, two short excerpts from Hart's manuscript, and a few miscellaneous items regarding Hart's academic career.