Discovered in a broom closet at Faulkner's home, the "Rowan Oak Papers" are one of the greatest finds of modern literary manuscripts. They contain several thousand sheets of autograph and typescript drafts of poems, short stories, film scripts and novels written by Faulkner in some of his most creative years, between 1925 and 1939. The University acquired the "Rowan Oak Papers" to form the cornerstone of its Faulkner collection.

The collection consists of four manuscript boxes. The arrangement maintains their original order. The inventory is divided into two parts: Part one is a title listing of works in the Rowan Oak Papers; Part two contains the  inventory proper. Items 2-57, 3-1, and 3-27 are digitalized.

Regrettably, photocopies of the Rowan Oak Papers are not available to off-site patrons. Visiting scholars, graduate students, and qualified researchers are requested to complete a form (pdf) governing the use of the Rowan Oak Papers before their visit to the University of Mississippi. This form should be returned to Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677.