This collection serves as a curated introduction to the diverse voices and thematic concerns defining the Australian poetic landscape during the mid-twentieth century. Howard Sergeant compiles a selection of works from various Australian poets, aiming to showcase the unique regional identity and stylistic evolution of the nation's verse. The poets navigate themes of landscape, isolation, and the intersection of colonial history with modern existence. The anthology functions as a survey, presenting individual voices within a structured framework that highlights the breadth of the Australian literary tradition.

Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of Sergeant's selection in capturing the breadth of Australian poetic output during this period. Readers frequently highlight the contrast between traditional forms and the emerging experimental styles present in the anthology. Critics note that the collection provides a useful entry point for those unfamiliar with the specific nuances of the Australian literary canon. The balance between established figures and newer voices is often cited as a strength that prevents the work from feeling stagnant or overly narrow in its focus.