The extended plan of the Macmillan Casebook series embraces two categories of book. Individual Authors: Here each volume contains classic of English literature of a significant modern work; occasional volumes deal with closely related works by the same writer. General Themes: This category includes volumes on literary 'schools' and genres.

Each Casebook brings together the best modern criticisms, along with a selection of earlier reviews and comment. The introduction discusses the variations and development of critical opinion. Each volume aims to give readers a heightened sense of the interest and vitality of the work or theme under discussion, and the value of a critical response.