The texts were written by Loshak and are based on his Master's thesis, presented at New York University in 1950. The catalogue raisonné is based on Thomas Girtin's own record of paintings. The catalogue includes a genealogical table, appendices of sources, followers of Girtin, and watercolors that were exhibited at The Royal Academy. There are three introductory essays: the English landscape, watercolor painting to the time of Girtin; and a discussion of his stylistic development. There is also a list of portraits of Girtin, drawings sold attributed to Girtin but without images/records, and engravings of missing drawings.