This collection serves as a definitive curation of the most significant lyrical poetry produced within the English language up to the mid-19th century. Francis Turner Palgrave acts as the arbiter of taste, selecting works that emphasize emotional resonance, rhythmic precision, and thematic depth. The anthology functions as a structured progression through the history of English verse, organizing poems not by author, but by their thematic and tonal qualities. The reader encounters a vast array of voices, ranging from the Elizabethan era to the Romantic period, all filtered through the editor's specific Victorian sensibilities.

Since its initial publication in 1861, this anthology has maintained a reputation as a foundational text for students and enthusiasts of English poetry. The collection is frequently cited for its influence on the canonization of specific poets and the shaping of Victorian literary taste. While modern critics occasionally note the editor's subjective biases and the exclusion of certain voices, the work remains a standard reference for the study of lyrical form. It continues to be regarded as a significant historical artifact that reflects the aesthetic values of its time.