The core question this anthology investigates is how to curate a definitive collection of the finest lyrical poems in the English language. Francis Turner Palgrave, a critic and poet, compiled this work to provide a comprehensive selection of English verse that emphasizes emotional resonance and technical mastery. By organizing the poems chronologically and focusing on the lyrical tradition, the author establishes a standard for what constitutes the most enduring and aesthetically significant poetry from the Elizabethan era through the mid-nineteenth century.

Experts recognize this collection as a foundational text in the history of literary anthologies, often cited for its influence on the canonization of English poetry. Readers frequently note the traditional focus of the selection, which reflects the specific aesthetic preferences of the nineteenth century.