This letterbook covers the period April-September 1901. Most of the correspondence is by Edison and John F. Randolph. There are also letters by Herman E. Dick, Walter S. Mallory, and others. Many of the items relate to the planning and construction of the Edison Portland Cement Co. plant at Stewartsville, New Jersey, and to Edison's investment in that company. There are also numerous letters concerning the development of Edison's alkaline storage battery and the financial and industrial arrangements for its manufacture. Also included are letters regarding the erection of an iron ore concentration plant in the Dunderland region of Norway, in connection with the Edison Ore Milling Syndicate, Ltd., as well as other items pertaining to Edison's interest in ore milling, mines, and ores. There is some material dealing with the domestic and foreign phonograph business, including statements of the assets and liabilities of the Edison Phonograph Works for 1899-1901; orders for equipment and supplies; and family and other personal matters.
The label on the front cover contains the following notation: "Personal Letter Book of Thomas A. Edison From Apr. 12, 1901 To Sept. 4, 1901. Indexed." There is a label on the spine with similar information. The book contains 502 numbered pages and an index. Approximately 20 percent of the book has been selected.