The notes include research and working notes, as well as editorial notes, of Rankin. Also included are editorial notes of Caroline Oakley (Folios 137-141).

Some of the notes include references to specific drafts, including first, second, and final drafts. Otherwise, as most of the notes are undated, the relation between the notes and the drafts is often unclear. Some notes have been revisited and subsequently annotated by Rankin as his development of the novel progressed. As far as possible, evidence of changes in theme and plot have been used to inform the arrangement.