This anthology investigates the historical and stylistic evolution of English translations of Greek and Roman classical literature from the medieval period to the twentieth century. Editors Jeremy Maule and Adrian Poole curate a comprehensive collection of verse to demonstrate how English-language poets have engaged with, adapted, and reinterpreted the foundational texts of antiquity. By juxtaposing multiple translations of the same classical passages, the authors argue that the act of translation serves as a dynamic, ongoing dialogue between two distinct literary traditions.

Scholars and critics frequently cite this volume as a definitive resource for understanding the history of classical reception in English poetry. Readers often note the academic rigor of the editorial selection, which provides a clear view of how translation styles have shifted across centuries.