This small, but rich collection consists of a series of letters between Raymond Mungo and his editor at E.P. Dutton, Susan Stern, regarding his ideas on writing and life. Beginning in October 1969 with editorial commentary on Famous Long Ago and Mungo's additions, the Dalsimer Papers offer insight into the development of Total Loss Farm from concept to printed page.

In addition to the content relating to Total Loss Farm, Mungo's letters provide an interesting perspective on the process of writing, the editorial process, and the events in his personal life, particularly his adventures traveling on the West Coast and in Scotland and Switzerland. A few letters offer glimpses into life at Packer Corners and one or two make poignant references to Mungo's friend and associate from the Liberation News Service, Marshall Bloom, who committed suicide in November 1969. The original manuscripts and galleys for both Famous Long Ago and Total Loss Farm are located in the Raymond Mungo Papers (MS 659).