This series is comprised of material documenting the production and distribution of several publications related to the Johnson Collection, including most significantly the Catalogue of the Johnson Collection (1941), the Book of Illustrations (1953), the Catalogue of Italian Paintings (1966), and the Catalogue of Flemish and Dutch Paintings (1972). While the bulk of the material pertains to the sales of these and other publications, files related to the 1966 and 1972 catalogs include important attribution research and scholarly opinions solicited from outside experts who visited or were otherwise familiar with the collection. The series also includes some material related to the production and sales of postcards and Christmas cards featuring Johnson collection objects.

Files related to any books published after 1972 are identified as "Writings" in the "1972-1993" subseries of the "Subject" series. For all journal and newspaper articles referencing John G. Johnson or the Johnson Collection, see the "Clippings" subseries of the "Writings" series.