The poems are in a variety of manuscript, typescript, and published format. They are arranged in two series: individual poems and collections of poems. Within each series, the poems are arranged alphabetically, or in original order, as noted.

Individual Poems by Ian Rankin.

Publication, circa 1983, of ‘Sharp Edges’ periodical featuring poem 'Another Scene with Pick-Up' by Ian Rankin. 3 copies. Second and third copies include unbound score, “I’ve Got the Maggot (I)”. Folios 1-44.

Typescript, 1983, ‘The Art of Not Writing’ and ‘Expectant’, two poems by Ian Rankin. Folio 45.

Publication, circa 1983, of ‘Sharp Edges’ periodical featuring poem ‘Kejan' by Ian Rankin. 2 copies. Folios 46-73.

Typescripts, 1984, of ‘Speculative’, a poem by Ian Rankin. Includes first, second, third, fourth, and final drafts; with annotations by the author. Includes advertisement from ‘The Spectator’ newspaper inviting submissions for 'The Johnnie Walker Poetry Competition'. Folios 74-79.

Manuscripts and typescripts, circa 2016, of a poem about architecture written for The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s Centenary by Ian Rankin, multiple drafts; with annotations by the author. Folios 80-83.

Manuscript, undated, of an untitled poem by Ian Rankin about Edinburgh, possible title ‘Wild Edina’. Folio 84.

Collections of Poems by Ian Rankin.

Handmade collection of printed poems of Ian Rankin, undated, entitled 'Incidental Music', and annotated 'My poems - lovingly published in an edition of one (by me)'. Folios 85-92.

Typescripts and manuscripts, 1978-1979, of poems by Ian Rankin, received unbound together in plastic wallet. Poems have been kept in their original order. Some poems have annotations by the author. Folios 93-103. 'Aftermath', 3 November 1978. ‘Larm’, 21 September 1978. ‘Few Home Truths’, 3 November 1978. ‘Crisis in the Bored-Room’, 10 October 1978. ‘Euthanasia’, 9 January 1987. ‘Chick Factory’, undated (on verso). Untitled. 10 July 1979. ‘Descent’, 15 June 1979 (on verso). ‘Pine-Forest’, undated. ‘Kejan’ Parts One-Four, 19-30 November, 1979. ‘Saturday (Abstract Number Three)’. 15 October 1978. ‘Society – Abstract No. 4’, 13 October 1978