This anthology investigates the evolution and distinct characteristics of Canadian poetic expression throughout the early to mid-twentieth century. A.J.M. Smith, a prominent poet and critic of the Montreal Group, curates this collection to establish a canon of Canadian verse that balances colonial influences with a burgeoning national identity. The work serves as both a historical record and a critical argument for the maturation of Canadian literature as a unique field of study.

Scholars and critics frequently cite this anthology as a foundational text for understanding the development of the Canadian poetic canon. It is widely regarded as a significant academic resource for those studying the history of Canadian literature and the influence of the Montreal Group on national letters.