This work investigates the historical and ideological processes that established the literary canon, specifically examining the exclusion of female playwrights like Aphra Behn in favor of the Shakespearean tradition. The authors, Lizbeth Goodman and W. R. Owens, utilize a combination of historical analysis and critical theory to deconstruct the cultural mechanisms that prioritize certain voices over others. By contrasting the reception of Shakespeare with that of Behn, the text argues that canonical status is a constructed phenomenon rather than an inherent quality of the work itself. The book provides a framework for understanding how institutional power shapes the history of English literature.

Scholars and students of literature frequently cite this text as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of gender and canonical history. The prose is noted for its academic rigor and its effectiveness in challenging traditional narratives within the field of English studies.