The collection spans Roark's writing career from 1943 until his death in 1985 and contains galley proofs and original handwritten and typed manuscripts of many of his books, newspaper articles, and other writings, including unpublished material. Also included are Roark's research notes and materials, and promotional material for the movies based on his novels Wake of the Red Witch, and Fair Wind to Java. Other items in the collection include business correspondence, most notably with publishers Doubleday and Company, Inc. and Little, Brown and Company, and letters from actors John Wayne and Clint Walker. There is a large collection of news clippings and reviews, transcripts of radio interviews, and several of Roark's drawings.  There are also publicity photos, photos of Roark and his family, and personal correspondence and fan mail.