This volume investigates the complete poetic output and intellectual development of Gerard Manley Hopkins, one of the most significant figures in 19th-century English literature. Editor Catherine Phillips utilizes original manuscripts to provide a definitive, chronologically arranged collection of his verse, supplemented by his journals, sermons, and personal correspondence. The work argues that by examining the prose alongside the poetry, one gains a clearer understanding of the theological and aesthetic concerns that defined the poet's creative process.

Scholars and literary critics frequently cite this edition as the standard for academic study due to its rigorous adherence to original manuscripts. It is widely regarded as a foundational resource for those seeking to understand the technical innovations and spiritual depth of Hopkins's work.