This collection seeks to curate and preserve the most significant examples of lyrical poetry within the English language to establish a standard of excellence for readers. Francis T. Palgrave, a critic and poet, utilized his extensive knowledge of English verse to select works that prioritize emotional resonance and formal precision. The framework of the book organizes these poems chronologically, providing a historical trajectory of the development of English lyrical expression from the Elizabethan era through the mid-nineteenth century.

Critics and scholars recognize this work as a foundational anthology that shaped the canon of English poetry for generations. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the selection process and the enduring influence of Palgrave's editorial choices on literary education.