1. The bulk of the collection is comprised of Alexander's diaries which were written between 1932 and 1947. These diaries chronicle, in part, the events of the second world war from the point of view of an Australian (J.A. Alexander) in Russia during 1944. The diaries provide a fascinating insight into the politics and conditions of life in Russia as they fight for their very existence against the barbaric onslaught of the Wehrmacht. 2. Books in the collection include: "Inside red Russia" by J.J. Maloney, "The great delusion: the autobiography of an ex-communist leader" by Cecil Sharpley, "Scientist in Russia" by Eric Ashby, "Canberra: History of and legends relating to the federal capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia" by John Gale, "Illustrations to Prinsep's journal of a voyage from Calcutta to Van Dieman's Land. From original sketches taken during the years 1829 and 1830" (2 copies). 3. Newspapers. 4. Papers by Alexander on Russia as well as two draft chapters of "In the shadow". 5. Various booklets, papers some of which deal with mainland and Tasmanian Aborigines and history.
