The collection consists of writings, journals, correspondence, printed material, photographs, audiovisual material, computer disks, and other papers documenting the literary careers and lives of James McCourt and Vincent Virga.
McCourt's writings comprise the bulk of the collection, and include notes, notebooks, manuscript and typescript drafts, correspondence, and printed material related to his published works: Mawrdew Czgowchwz (1975), Kaye Wayfaring in "Avenged:" Four Stories (1984), Time Remaining: Stories (1993), Delancey's Way (2000), Wayfaring at Waverly in Silver Lake (2002), Queer Street: Rise and Fall of American Culture, 1947-1985 (2004), and Now Voyagers: The Night Sea Journey (2007). Virga's writings consist of manuscript and typescript drafts of his published works, including Gaywyck (1980), Comfortable Corner (1982), and Vadriel Vale (2001).
Diaries, appointment calendars, and notebooks, belonging to both McCourt and Virga and spanning over thirty years, document their individual careers and their life together. McCourt's journal from July 1973 to December 1978 covers his efforts to sell Mawrdew Czgowchz, and his journals from 1992 to 1995 contain notes for Time Out of Mind and Delancey’s Way. Other material relating to the personal and professional lives of McCourt and Virga include: personal correspondence between McCourt and Virga; professional correspondence with publishers, editors, and agents; photographs of McCourt and Virga; McCourt's childhood memorabilia; and printed material.