This reference work investigates the historical development, thematic breadth, and biographical landscape of Canadian literature from its inception to the late twentieth century. Editors Eugene Benson and William Toye compile an extensive collection of entries written by scholars to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolution of Canadian writing in both English and French. The volume serves as a foundational resource for researchers and students seeking to categorize authors, movements, and cultural shifts within the Canadian literary tradition.

Scholars and librarians frequently cite this volume as a standard reference tool for its breadth and depth of coverage. While some readers note the academic density of the prose, experts highlight the work as a foundational text for anyone studying the history of Canadian letters.