This collection assembles a variety of narrative verse, focusing on the intersection of storytelling and rhythmic structure. The editor, V. H. Collins, curates a selection of poems designed to highlight the evolution of the narrative form within the English tradition. The work serves as an examination of how poets utilize meter and rhyme to convey complex plots and character arcs. The framework is primarily an anthology, organizing pieces by thematic or chronological progression to demonstrate the versatility of the narrative mode.

Readers and critics often note that this anthology provides a clear overview of the development of narrative poetry. Discussion frequently centers on the editor's choices regarding which poems to include and the balance between well-known classics and lesser-known works. Many highlight the accessibility of the collection for those new to the genre, while others appreciate the scholarly rigor applied to the selection process. The pacing is generally described as steady, allowing the reader to engage with each poem as a distinct narrative unit.