Peter Porter examines the anxieties surrounding the turn of the millennium through a collection of poems that challenge the human tendency to seek meaning in portents and oracles.

The poet navigates the tension between contemporary life in flux and the anticipation of a turbulent future. Through a blend of direct social commentary and imaginative character studies, Porter explores the intersection of historical perspective and modern apprehension. The narrative framework shifts between the poet's own voice and a series of dramatic monologues, grounding abstract fears in specific, often historical, contexts.

Readers and critics frequently highlight Porter's ability to balance intellectual rigor with accessible, often humorous, observations on the human condition. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of his dramatic monologues, which allow him to inhabit disparate voices while maintaining a cohesive thematic focus on the anxiety of the era. The collection is noted for its wide-ranging curiosity, as Porter moves effortlessly between historical figures and contemporary concerns. Critics often point to the poet's refusal to succumb to the apocalyptic fervor of the time, choosing instead to offer a measured and witty critique of such trends. The work is generally regarded as a significant contribution to late twentieth-century poetry, valued for its technical precision and thematic depth.