The sermon topics are arranged alphabetically, with an index at the beginning (folios 7-9); the heading and number of each is repeated at the top of each page. The last three in the index (numbers 141-143, De Vsura, De Vita, De Veste) are missing from the text. The topics are predominantly in Latin, a very few in French, and consist of quotations (from the Bible, classical authors, especially Cicero and Seneca, the Fathers, and medieval authors) and moral tales and happenings. Interspersed with these are 246 items of Middle English verse, about half of which have Latin sources or versions in the main text; for an edition of these, or references to previous editions, see ‘A Descriptive Index of the English Lyrics in John of Grimestone`s Preaching Book’. Before and after the index are various religious verses and notes in Latin (listed in ‘A Descriptive Index of the English Lyrics in John of Grimestone`s Preaching Book’, pages vii-viii).

The compiler`s name and the date are given on folio 9 verso: `Orate p(ro) a(n)i(m)a f(rat)ris Ioh(annis) de Grimistone qui sc(ri)psit ist(um) lib(ru)m cu(m) magna solicitu(din)e Anno d(o)m(ini) 1372 ...` That he was a Franciscan is indicated by quotations from Franciscan acts and rules (folios 96-98, 110 verso-111, 137-139). The language of the English verses is that of Norfolk.

Initials of sections are two lines high and in red. Capitals, punctuation marks, etc. are picked out in red. The names of sources are underlined in red. Various brackets, letters, and symbols are used to connect the English verses with their Latin counterparts.