The Wickenden Papers span the years 1921-1989, with the bulk falling between the 1950s and the 1970s. They primarily document Wickenden's literary and professional career. Materials include typed original manuscripts, galley proofs, correspondence to and from Dan Wickenden, literary reviews, printed materials, theatrical photographs, a small number of personal items, and a scrapbook containing newsclippings and reviews. The collection includes very little personal or family-related materials.

Most of the correspondence in the collection documents Wickenden's professional assessment of literary works and publishing recommendations while at Harcourt Brace & World. His astute assessments of the literary manuscripts are diplomatic but honest comments to the authors themselves. These papers are a valuable resource for the study of American literary history from the mid-1950s through the 1970s.

This collection is organized into seven series:

• 1. Correspondence, 1947-1985
• 2. Original Manuscripts and Galley Proofs, 1937-1957
• 3. Critical Reviews of Wickenden's Published Work, 1935-1956
• 4. Literary Reviews By Wickenden of Others' Works, 1953-1984
• 5. Short Published Works, 1934-1953
• 6. Personal Materials, 1927-1990
• 7. Scrapbook