The Latham Papers form a very large collection and one that documents in great detail nearly all facets of Sir John Latham's long and varied public career. The collection is strongest for the 45 years extending from his first overseas trip in 1918-1919 to his death in 1964. Nevertheless, there are many papers dating from pre-World War I years. The main gaps in the collection relate to the Liberal Party of 1909-1914, the Navy Office in 1917-1918, constituency affairs after 1925, and Japan in 1940-1941, and there are not many papers on the Boobooks or World War II years. Apart from these subjects, it is a remarkably complete collection. There is a very wide range of papers: correspondence, notes, speeches, diaries, minute books, account books, cuttings, photographs, pamphlets, official publications, invitations, menus, programs, receipts, bills and tourist publications.