First published in 1967, Poets of the Early Seventeenth Century is a representative selection of shorter poems written during the first half of the seventeenth century by principal poets of this period. Of these poets, only Ben Jonson in the strict sense was a professional author, writing as a means of livelihood. Milton and probably Browne at this stage of their careers, were independent. The others pursue different professions, as courtiers, diplomats, tutors, clerics, and in case of Vaughan, as a physician. Most of these poems were probably fruits of their writers' leisure hours and some at least were intended rather for private circulation than for early publication.

The editors have added brief critical comments on each poet and biographies in the notes and this book is a must read for students of English literature and English poetry.