The collection consists of papers of Hamilton used in preparation of his biography J. D. Salinger: A Writing Life, which was never published as a result of judicial decisions in the case of J. D. Salinger vs. Random House and Ian Hamilton (1987). Included are manuscript notes, drafts, and extracts of letters for the book, correspondence of Hamilton with alumni of schools attended by Salinger, Valley Forge Military Academy (Class of 1936) and Ursinus College, and copies from various institutions of Salinger correspondence (1934-1973). There are also legal briefs and depositions form the suit by brought Salinger, who sought to prevent Hamilton from quoting or closely paraphrasing his unpublished letters because such use infringed upon "fair use" as defined by the laws of copyright. Also present are uncorrected proof copies of the New York and London editions of J. D. Salinger: A Writing Life (1986) and copies of related newspaper clippings.