This volume addresses the need for a curated, accessible collection of traditional carols specifically adapted for educational and school-based choral performance. Percy Dearmer, a prominent liturgist and hymnologist, compiled this edition to provide schools with a practical resource for seasonal music. The text focuses on preserving the melodic integrity of traditional carols while simplifying arrangements to suit the vocal ranges and technical capabilities of students. It serves as a pedagogical tool for introducing historical musical forms within a classroom or assembly setting.

Experts recognize this edition as a standard reference for school music programs due to its historical accuracy and pedagogical utility. Readers frequently note that while the arrangements are simple, they maintain the authentic character of the original folk melodies.