John Ruskin (1819-1900) was an English art critic, social reformer, and author. His ideas and concerns centering around the relationship between art, society, and nature influenced anticipated interest in environmentalism, sustainability, and craft.

The collection includes a portfolio containing 12 signed holograph letters sent by Ruskin to William Roscoe Osler and his father, T. Smith Osler, from 1873-1879. Twelve other letters are to his friend Charles H. Wood, ca. 1850-1879. Several of the letters are undated. Also included are typewritten transcripts of the letters to the Oslers, which concern William's career in art.