The book is in three parts: a series of poems by Auden describing his and Isherwood's journey to China in 1938 ; a "Travel-Diary" by Isherwood (including material first drafted by Auden) about their travels in China itself, and their observations of the Sino-Japanese War; and "In Time of War: A Sonnet Sequence with a Verse Commentary" by Auden, with reflections on the contemporary world and their experiences in China.
The book is organized into three sections: a poetic narrative by Auden detailing his and Isherwood's 1938 journey to China; Isherwood's "Travel-Diary", which includes co-written material from Auden, focusing on their travels within China and the Sino-Japanese War; and "In Time of War" by Auden, a sonnet sequence with accompanying commentary, reflecting on global concerns and their experiences in China.