This collection contains two main sets of materials: Correspondence between Louis I. Jaffe and J. J. Lankes from 1930 to 1942 and correspondence between Alice Jaffe (Louis' widow) and J. B. Lankes (J. J.'s son) from 1980 to 1985. In addition, there is a small folder of notes and letter excerpts created by J. B. Lankes in the early 1980s.

The majority of the letters are from Louis Jaffe to J. J. Lankes, represented by original letters, photocopies, and/or transcripts. These letters document their personal friendship, working relationship, and larger creative, literary, and political circles. Themes in their correspondence include Sherwood Anderson and his works, Lankes relocation to New York to take a job at Wells, visits with each other, and professional collaborations.

July 11, 1933, Louis Jaffe to J. J. Lankes: "Sometime in August I hope to knock off for a couple of weeks of rest. Maybe I will climb into the old Ford and wander west. This idea is stirring in my head-how would you like to join me in a gypsy expedition for a week? My plans are nebulous, but it might be possible to drive up to Marion and see Sherwood. He has just taken a bride-Eleanor-and they are to live at Ripshin, the stone keep that be built with the proceeds of Dark Laughter."

January 12, 1937, Louis Jaffe to J. J. Lankes: "'Spring Twilight' is one of the finest things you've done. I am proud to have a print of it and send you warm thanks. Excepting Wyeth, I think I must have by this time the best collection of Lanky-anna in private hands."

In addition, the collection contains 19 letters to and from Alice Jaffe and J. B. Lankes, discussing the distribution of Louis Jaffe and J. J. Lankes materials at different repositories, the whereabouts of original works (including items discussed in the Louis-J.J. correspondence), and Sherwood Anderson materials (both before and after Eleanor Anderson's death).