This anthology investigates the evolution and breadth of English literary production from the Romantic period through the contemporary era. Editors Frank Kermode and John Hollander, both distinguished scholars in the field of English studies, curate this collection to provide a comprehensive overview of canonical texts. The work utilizes rigorous editorial standards, including authoritative annotations and historical context, to frame the development of English letters for students and researchers alike.

Scholars and educators frequently identify this anthology as a foundational resource for university-level survey courses in English literature. Readers often note the academic density of the prose and the high quality of the editorial apparatus provided by the editors.