This sub-series consists of undeveloped ideas, notes and research for projects that include novels, short stories and young adult fiction between 1960 and 1987. The materials include both autograph and typed notes, as well as clippings from various sources that inspired Baird. This sub-series is organized chronologically.

Not arranged according to any arrangement scheme.

2 boxes

This sub-series consists primarily of manuscripts of Baird's published and unpublished works between 1932 and 1990, including Controlled Substances, the novel Baird was working on at the time of his death. Many of the works also contain notes, writing journals, correspondence between Baird and his publishers and editors, fan mail, and reviews. Within some of the notes files there are clippings of articles and advertisements that inspired Baird, as well as hand-drawn maps that he used to construct fictional settings. The published works found in the collection include Triumphal Entry (1962), The Old Masters (1963), People Who Pull You Down (1970), The Way to the Old Sailors Home (1977), Poor Millie (1978), Villa Aphrodite (1984) and Smart Rats (1990) [young adult]. Some of these works include author's proofs, galley proofs, and folded and gathered sheets. This sub-series is arranged alphabetically by title and then chronologically by date.

Arranged alphabetically by title.

28 boxes

This sub-series consists of two literature reviews by Baird, On the Way to the Sky (1972) by Douglas Kent Hall, and Courtesans of the Italian Renaissance (1975) by Georgina Masson. Reviews of Baird's published works are included with the materials for each title as indicated in sub-series I. B. This sub-series is contained in one folder.

Not arranged according to any arrangement scheme.

1 box

This sub-series consists of a typed manuscript of Baird's poem "The Poet" from 1942.

Not arranged according to any arrangement scheme.

1 box

This sub-series consists of manuscripts, notes and correspondence related to a series of talks, addresses and lectures that Baird delivered between 1974 and 1987. The topics include backpacking, verisimilitude in fiction, Romanesque art, rats, writing and wine. The majority of the talks, addresses and lectures were given in association with Baird's membership in The Twilight Club in Hartford, Connecticut. Other venues include the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, Friends of the Princeton University Library in Princeton, New Jersey, and Trinity College and The Club, both in Hartford, Connecticut. There is also an undated photograph of Baird and fellow members of The Twilight Club. This sub-series is arranged alphabetically by title.

Arranged alphabetically by title.

1 box

This sub-series consists of Baird's general correspondence with friends, publishers, editors and others during the years 1946 to 1990. Correspondence related to specific works are included with the materials for each title as indicated in sub-series I. B. This sub-series is arranged chronologically by year.

Arranged chronologically.

1 box

This sub-series consists of the correspondence Baird received from his family members Alice Baird [mother], Edgar Baird [father] and Sarah Lee Baird [sister] (1947-1948). There are also letters from Alice to Agnes Eckley, Baird's nursemaid and family friend (1941-1942), and letters from Baird to Agnes (1938-1984). These letters document Baird's time at Princeton, his military service and beyond. Lastly, there are a few letters between Baird and Thomas Eckley (1987-1988), son of Agnes and Baird's namesake. Upon the death of his mother, Thomas Eckley returned to Baird both Baird and Alice's letters to Agnes. This sub-series is arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

Arranged alphabetically by correspondent.

2 boxes

This sub-series consists of Baird's travel-related correspondence during 1970 to 1979. This correspondence from Wyoming, Canada, Mexico and other locations demonstrates Baird's interest in hiking and other outdoor trips. During his 1979 trip to San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mexico, Baird examined the culture and researched material for articles and stories. These notes are included with the correspondence. This sub-series is arranged alphabetically by location.

Arranged alphabetially by origin of letter.

1 box