This work investigates the historical development, cultural significance, and musical preservation of traditional carols within the English-speaking world. Ralph Vaughan Williams, a prominent composer and collector of folk music, collaborated with Percy Dearmer and Martin Shaw to compile this comprehensive reference. The text provides a scholarly framework for understanding the evolution of carols from medieval origins to the early twentieth century, utilizing both musical notation and historical commentary to contextualize each piece.

Musicologists and choral directors frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for the study of traditional English carol repertoire. Readers often note the academic rigor and the historical depth provided in the introductory essays and annotations.