This anthology investigates the evolution and breadth of Australian poetic expression over a two-hundred-year period. Mark O’Connor, an established Australian poet and critic, curates this collection to provide a comprehensive overview of the nation's verse. By selecting works that reflect shifting cultural landscapes and environmental concerns, the book argues for the distinct identity of Australian literature within the global canon.

Critics often cite this collection as a useful entry point for those seeking a broad survey of Australian poetic history. Readers frequently note the balance between canonical figures and lesser-known voices, making it a standard reference for students of regional literature.