The collection consists of the papers of James Beard, a chef and author originally from Portland, Oregon. The majority of these papers are typescript copies, clippings, or drafts of articles and recipes that Beard wrote for magazines and newspapers, particularly House & Garden. The collection also includes materials relating to books that he wrote and other professional work that he did. Other materials in the collection include Beard's appointment books from the 1970s; correspondence, including with collaborator Isabel Callvert and letters from readers of his book "Beard on Bread"; restaurant menus that he collected; photographs; and biographical information.