The rector of Booton, Whitwell Elwin (1816-1900), was also a prolific writer. He produced works on Alexander Pope, John Forster and Lord Byron, as well as being a frequent contributor to the 'Quarterly Review', becoming editor of that periodical from 1853-1860. He also acted as a literary advisor to John Murray, including advising Murray that he should not publish 'On the Origin of Species' by Charles Darwin, but suggesting that Darwin should consider writing a book about pigeons instead.

There is a substantial amount of material here relating to Whitwell Elwin, mostly related to his time as editor of the 'Quarterly Review' and in his role as literary advisor. The correspondence is largely of Elwin to Murray, but there are also letters to Elwin from Henry Brougham, Emily Bunbury, Matthew Davenport Hill, William Napier and John Alexander Thynne, as well as other letters concerning Elwin.

In addition to the correspondence, there are also manuscripts, notebooks, proofs, and copies of published articles by Elwin and relating to his work as editor. There are also papers relating to Elwin or the 'Quarterly Review'.