This anthology investigates the breadth and evolution of contemporary Canadian poetry by curating a representative selection of works from fifteen influential poets. Editor Gary Geddes utilizes his extensive background in Canadian letters to assemble a collection that balances established voices with emerging literary figures. The framework of the text relies on a comparative approach, allowing readers to observe stylistic shifts and thematic developments across multiple editions of the work.

Experts and educators frequently cite this anthology as a foundational resource for surveying the development of Canadian poetry over several decades. Readers often note the editorial rigor applied to the selection process, which maintains a balance between canonical works and contemporary contributions.