The series includes manuscript and typescript drafts, notes, research material, publicity material, and related correspondence for Carey's published and unpublished novels.

This subseries consists of revised drafts, working notes, index cards, proofs and correspondence relating to the novel Bliss. This novel had several working titles: 'Heaven's door', 'A garden at the end of the world', 'On the edges of the empire', 'A wonderful fool' and 'Waiting for the Barbarians'. Bliss was published in Australia by University of Queensland Press in 1981. This was Peter Carey's first novel and won the Miles Franklin Award 1981 and New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards 1982.

Original folder titled '5th Draft : Blue Bread & Sapphires', typescript draft, with handwritten amendments, undated. On the original folder were the following notes: 'A substantial reward is offered for the return of this manuscript [Phone numbers and addresses for Peter Carey in NSW and Qld and University of Queensland Press'; and 'Every author ought to write every book as if he were going to be beheaded the day he finished it. - Scott Fitzgerald, This Side of Paradise'.]

Original folder titled '(Bliss), Heaven's Door. Final Draft.', typescript, 379 leaves, with handwritten amendments, 30 Jun 1980.

85 index cards (12.5 x 7.5 cm) of typescript notes with handwritten amendments, undated. First index card has the typed title 'I. A wonderful fool' with a handwritten note underneath '(i.e. Bliss)'.

Bound volume of 'Heaven's Door' (Bliss).

Typescript draft of Bliss, pp 67-300, undated.

Original folder titled 'On the Edges of the Empire. 3rd draft'. '1st draft' written on first page of typescript draft, 94 leaves of typescript, undated.

Original folder titled 'Heaven's Door. 6th Draft. p153 -', typescript draft, pp 1-330, with handwritten amendments, undated.

Original folder titled 'A garden at the end of the world. 4th draft', typescript draft, 138 leaves, with handwritten amendments, undated.