The author Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) is for many Swedes a genuine national icon. On several occasions, when the most popular and influential Swede is to be announced, Astrid Lindgren’s name is always one of the top names. Astrid Lindgren is for the Swedes known not only as a famous author, but also as a person who spoke out on things she found wrong in the Swedish society. In the history of Swedish literature 1945 is usually regarded as a milestone and Astrid Lindgren’s book Pippi Longstocking was published and revolutionised both children’s literature and the attitude to children and their upbringing. Astrid Lindgren also worked as editor-in-chief for the publishing house Rabén & Sjögren from 1946 to 1970 and for almost a quarter of a century she was responsible for the children’s literature while at the same time she was in practise her own editor. Today, ten years after she passed away 94 years old, her remaining papers, letters and manuscripts are kept in different archives where interesting research can be carried out. There is a substantial amount of material from her rich and prolific life and in this article I wish to illustrate how this material can be used to provide a deeper knowledge of Astrid Lindgren as a person and as an editor.