The manuscript is a lettre en verse, starting with a poem comprised of 8 lines and referencing Les Plaideurs by Racine. The poem is likely written by an unnamed Greek author, mentioned at the end of the letter. Throughout the text, Voltaire discusses the literary prowess of Alexander the Great, specifically his excellent skill at writing poetry, mentioning the verses dedicated to Thalestris. Voltaire also praises the Prussian monarch’s library at his new Sans Souci palace in Potsdam.

Authors referenced in the catalogue include: Boileau, C. La Bruyere, Corneille, La Fontaine, Rousseau, Voltaire, Jean-François Marmontel, Fenelon, Aesop, Caesar, Horace, Plutarch, and Virgil. Over 200 titles are listed.