This anthology presents five foundational works of Elizabethan prose fiction that defined the early development of the English novel. The collection features diverse narratives ranging from courtly romance to picaresque adventures, each reflecting the stylistic experimentation of the late sixteenth century. Paul Salzman provides modernized texts to bridge the linguistic gap for contemporary readers, allowing the original wit and narrative structures to remain accessible. The works are presented as distinct, self-contained stories that showcase the evolution of character-driven prose during the English Renaissance.

Readers and scholars frequently highlight this collection as a vital resource for understanding the precursors to the modern novel. Discussion often centers on the stylistic variety present in the anthology, ranging from the ornate, didactic prose of Lyly to the more grounded, realistic storytelling of Deloney. Critics appreciate the balance between scholarly rigor and the accessibility provided by Salzman's modernization efforts. The volume is widely regarded as a standard text for students of Renaissance literature who wish to examine the transition from medieval romance to early modern fiction.