This collection investigates the evolution of English lyrical poetry from its earliest recorded forms through the works of William Shakespeare. William Peacock, a noted editor of literary anthologies, compiles these selections to provide a chronological overview of the development of English verse. The work utilizes primary source texts to demonstrate the shift in linguistic structure, thematic focus, and metrical innovation during the transition from the medieval period to the Elizabethan era.

Scholars and literary historians frequently cite this anthology as a reliable, foundational resource for students of early English literature. Readers often note the academic clarity of the selection process, which prioritizes historical representation over modern interpretation.