Collection consists of correspondence written by 56 Canadian authors, poets and journalists who were acquainted with Andrew Merkel, as well as publications and programmes from the literary societies in which Merkel was a central figure.

There are a roughly equal number of typewritten and manuscript letters. Letters from Merkel are predominantly typewritten, as his handwriting is poor, but other correspondents preferred manuscript or type.

The materials range in date from the early 1900s, when Merkel was a student at King's College, Windsor, N.S., to 1953. The final letters are sympathy notes to him on the death of his wife.

Subjects of the collection include visits by poets, meetings of the Song Fishermen, and the publication of their work. Correspondence between Merkel and other Canadian Press men are also present, along with drafts of articles and discussion of reporting and managerial styles.

The letters were written in locations across the western world, from Paris and London to New York, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. Some of the article drafts were written as Merkel flew over the Atlantic during the Second World War.