The Poetry of the Scots is both an original bibliographical guide and a comprehensive introduction to Scottish poetry from the earliest times to the present day. It gives a chronological listing of the standard editions of all the major, and many of the minor Scottish poets, including works in Scots, English, Latin and Gaelic. The bibliographical listing is supplemented by commentaries on the books, written by Glen in informative and enthustiastic style. An extensive introduction links the poetry to Scotland's history and cultural traditions. Critical books, essays, 20th-century journals and periodicals, cassettes and LPs of ballads and folk songs are also listed, leading into more specialized reading.