This volume investigates the stylistic and thematic contributions of secondary poets during the Caroline period to provide a comprehensive view of 17th-century English verse. George Saintsbury, a prominent literary historian, curates this collection to preserve and analyze the works of William Chamberlayne, Edward Benlowes, Katherine Philips, and Patrick Hannay. By presenting these texts alongside scholarly apparatus, the work argues for the historical significance of these figures in the broader context of English literature. The text serves as a critical resource for understanding the transition of poetic forms during a volatile era of political and social change.

Scholars and students of 17th-century literature frequently cite this edition as a foundational resource for accessing rare Caroline-era texts. The prose is noted for its academic density and rigorous editorial standards, making it a standard reference for researchers in the field.