This volume investigates the state of Australian verse in the mid-1980s by curating a selection of the most significant poetic voices active during that period. Vivian Brian Smith, a respected poet and critic, leverages his deep knowledge of the Australian literary landscape to assemble a representative collection that highlights evolving themes, formal experimentation, and the regional identity of contemporary Australian poets. The work serves as both a historical record and a critical assessment of the aesthetic trends defining the era.

The collection is regarded as a significant archival effort that captures a specific moment in the development of Australian literature. Its inclusion of diverse voices provides a comprehensive overview for scholars and readers interested in the evolution of the Australian poetic tradition.