Presents the work of 53 poets ranging chronologically by birth date from Christopher Brennan to Jemal Sharah, with each poem chosen for emotional interest, individual quality and enjoyment value. Poets include those lesser known as well as those commonly anthologised, such as Mark O'Connor, Gwen Harwood, Francis Webb, and Shaw Neilson. The selection of each poet's work is preceded by a succinct biographical essay. Grey won the 1990 Patrick White Award and Lehmann has written seven books, two of which have won the Grace Leven Prize for poetry.