The correspondence series features typed, handwritten, and scanned letters addressed primarily to either Maximillian Novak or Manuel Schonhorn. Given that the letters were often sent within a circle of scholars, many of the typed letters are duplicate copies. Most folders contain less than 10 pieces of correspondence, with the notable exception of folders for letters written by Joyce D. Kennedy, Irving Rothman, and between Maximillian Novak and Manuel Schonhorn. The letters range from formal to casual in tone, but relate predominantly to work on the scholarly editions for select works in the Defoe canon.