The Cursor Mundi serves as a comprehensive narrative account of the history of the world from the creation to the end of time, framed through a Christian theological lens. The anonymous author seeks to provide a vernacular alternative to secular romances, aiming to instruct the reader on the moral trajectory of humanity. The poem utilizes a Northumbrian dialect to recount biblical events, drawing from various sources to synthesize a cohesive history that emphasizes the duality of human actions. The narrative structure is expansive, moving chronologically through major scriptural milestones to illustrate the divine plan for salvation.

Readers and scholars frequently highlight the significance of this work as a primary source for understanding the linguistic and cultural landscape of the 14th century. Discussion often centers on the poem's role in shifting the focus of vernacular literature from chivalric romance to religious instruction. Critics note that the pacing is deliberate and encyclopedic, reflecting the medieval desire to categorize all human history under a single divine narrative. The work is widely regarded as a foundational text for those studying the evolution of the English language and the development of medieval religious thought.