It begins with the poetry (French and English en face), including such masterpieces as Le Cimetiere Marin and portions of La Jeune Parque; then ranges through Valry's work in fields as various as architecture, logic, the dance, literature, philosophy, and painting. It concludes with excerpts from his creative writings such as Monsieur Teste and the drama Mon Faust.

The list of translators for this volume is distinguished. Among them are Lionel Abel, Lonie Adams, Malcolm Cowly, James Kirkup, C. Day Lewis, Jackson Mathews, Louise Varese, and Vernon Watkins.