I would say that BOTH are important, but for different reasons.

Firstly the work - the writing is a product of the age we live in and although times change, and accepted thoughts, words and attitudes fall into disuse and sometimes become unacceptable to a future society, the work will live on for as long as people read and study the literature in question.

Secondly the creator - to understand the creator better, the background of the author can add an extra dimension as how the work was written, whether in times of war, abject poverty or a myriad of obstacles that she/he has had to endure.

On another level, as someone interested in history I find researching the background of a subject just as fascinating as the work or the creator.

There could also be a financial aspect - for instance, Paul McCartney's original lyrics to Hey Jude on a piece of paper were sold at auction for over £700,000, and imagine the value of some early paintings by Van Gogh if he hadn't destroyed them himself!!

We will never know what value, whether intrinsic, financial or historical or otherwise, that future generations put on work, so keep hold of your notes, early drafts and mind maps - not for yourself, but for humanity.

And never destroy a photograph - they speak volumes.