This comprehensive reference work seeks to provide a systematic, scholarly catalog and critical evaluation of all known writings in Middle English produced between 1050 and 1500. J. Burke Severs, building upon the foundational work of John Edwin Wells, leads a team of expert contributors to categorize, summarize, and provide bibliographical data for the vast corpus of medieval English literature. The text serves as a rigorous academic framework, organizing disparate manuscripts and texts into thematic and generic classifications to facilitate scholarly research. It functions as an essential tool for medievalists, offering both historical context and critical commentary on the evolution of the English language during this period.

This work is regarded as a foundational pillar in the field of medieval studies, serving as the standard reference for researchers navigating the complexities of Middle English literature. Its meticulous organization and depth of scholarly detail make it an indispensable resource for academic inquiry into the period.