The papers, covering 1906-1981, are divided into three major series: Winters papers, Lewis papers and related materials. Winters papers, which are subdivided according to genre, consists of personal correspondence (primarily in-coming), professional correspondence with colleagues and publishers, articles and essays, critical texts, poetry, fiction, photographs, and miscellany. The personal correspondence files include letters conveying opinions on the works of fellow writers or letters seeking Winters criticism of their works. In addition the papers document Winters involvement with topics of local interest such as the David Lamson murder case, the integration of Ravenswood High School, and Los Gatos community issues resulting from Winters' service as Zone Warden during World War II. His correspondence with his publishers, particularly Alan Swallow, trace the course of Winters publications; also documented is John Williams plaigarism of Winters' work.

Yvor Winters was born in Chicago on October 17, 1900, the son of a stockbroker. As a very young child he moved west with his family to California and Washington, returning later to Chicago where he spent three years in high school and four quarters at the University of Chicago.Janet Lewis was born in Chicago on August 17, 1899, the daughter of Elizabeth Taylor Lewis and Edwin H. Lewis, an English college teacher, novelist, and poet. From her father Janet received her basic education in English prose as well as the background and chief inspiration for her novel The Invasion, a narrative of events concerning the Johnstone family of St. Mary's. The year Janet was born her father built a cabin on an island in the St. Mary's River, at a spot called Sailor's Encampment, between Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie. It was there the Lewis family spent their summers and there, also, that the grandchildren of the Johnstone family of The Invasion (John Johnstone and his Ojibway wife Neengay) became dear and lasting friends.

8.5 linear ft. and 1 oversize box.

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