Francis family records, Francis' own notes as a student, lectures, student papers and theses about the poet, along with blueprints of Fort Juniper, diplomas, and newspaper and magazine articles are found in Series 1. Also included is an extensive bibliography. Copies of the Syracuse University guide to the collection of papers Francis donated in 1968-1969 (4.5 linear feet) and the Jones Library guide to their collection of Francis materials, mostly published versions, are filed here as well. See also Series 4.

Arranged alphabetically.

Incoming letters and copies of outgoing letters, chiefly with other writers, publishing houses, and readers are in Series 2. Notable are the letters relating to publishing and business matters in general. These letters are revealing examples of the poet's economics, or, as Mr. Francis has said, "how a lone poet learns to look out for his financial interests." A number of letters come from young writers looking for advice and encouragement. Of special importance is the correspondence of novelist Paul Theroux, who came to know Mr. Francis while studying with Joseph Langland at the University of Massachusetts. The bulk of their correspondence is from Theroux's graduation in 1963 until 1970. Series 2 also contains copies of correspondence between poet Marianne Moore and the University of Massachusetts Press (1956-1968). In these letters Ms. Moore extends her praise to Robert Francis and to the Press for the worthy publication of his works. Other correspondents include John Ciardi, Peter DeVries, Gerald Warner Brace, Dudley Fitts, Donald Hall, Rolfe Humphries, Howard Moss, Richard Wilbur, Rosellen Brown, and Ted Shawn. See also Series 4.

Arranged chronologically.

Series 3 is divided into subseries by book titles, which are arranged chronologically. Under the book title headings are author's notes, worksheets and drafts, typescripts, galley proofs and copies of proofs. Book reviews and comments are filed under each title as well. Worksheets of poems in some instances contain page references to the poem in its final form in the Collected Poems. Journals in which Francis' poems are published, Francis' teaching materials, and Francis' comments on poetry are also included in this series.

Arranged chronologically.

Series 4 is divided into subseries by book titles, which are arranged chronologically, in the same manner as Series 3. Newspaper and magazine columns follow book-length works in the series and are arranged chronologically within their own subseries. Materials pertaining to the author's autobiography, The Trouble With Francis, including his interleaved copy of the book (Mr. Francis keyed photographs, biographical documents, correspondence, and notes to their corresponding pages), are also contained in Series 4.

Series 5 contains Mr. Woodchuck (three chapters of an unfinished novel) and "What a Witch Told Me."

Photographs from virtually every period of Francis' life and of Francis' family and friends are included in Series 6. See Series 4 for additional photos.

Tapes of Mr. Francis reading and discussing his poetry; WFCR Radio "Poems for a Listener" broadcasts; phonograph recordings of readings; and a phonograph recording of Koopman's musical composition for "Picasso and Matisse" are in Series 7.