This volume investigates the evolution and distinct character of Canadian poetry through a comprehensive selection of verse spanning several centuries. Margaret Atwood, a prominent Canadian author and critic, utilizes her extensive knowledge of the national literary landscape to curate a collection that reflects the thematic and stylistic diversity of the country's poets. The book serves as both a historical record and a critical framework for understanding the development of Canadian identity through the medium of verse.

Experts and educators frequently cite this anthology as a foundational text for students of Canadian literature. Readers often note the academic rigor of the introductory survey and the breadth of the selection provided.