The series documents Irving Laytons relations with his surroundings. It contains correspondence written or received by Irving Layton.
The material includes letters, postcards, cards, and telegrams between Layton and familly members, friends, professionals, artists, bookstores, publishers, libraries, the Quebec government, colleges, and universities. Also present are letters published in journals and newspapers and handwritten or typed letters from fans. The series contains postcards from various regions including: Toronto, Ontario, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Verona, Italy, Venice, Italy, Hawaii, USA, Florence, Italy, several regions of Spain, France, Kenya, and Greece. Other correspondence includes praise for his work, request and payment for books of poetry, thank you notes from readers and those who purchased books directly from Layton, invitations to do readings, correspondence between Irving Layton and Leonard Cohen, and requests for autographed works.