The anthology comprises 93 pieces, from which the performer draws to form several suites, taking careful account of the tonalities. In contrast to the following viol books, in which character pieces occupy an important place, this contains only two, The Countrywoman and The witticism. Finally, Marais includes the first Tombeau he wrote, that of a certain Monsieur Méliton, which prefigures the poignant and grandiose compositions of the Fourth and Fifth Books.