This selection of poems and photographs celebrating Wellington were selected by the notable Wellington journalist and historian, Pat Lawlor. As it was published just before the 'literary nationalist' poets began to emerge, most of the poems are written in the post-Romantic style which was the most popular form in New Zealand until the new 'Caxton Generation' arose after World War II. Several of the poets included were photographed by S.P Andrew and their portraits can be viewed here.

A second edition of this book with a slightly different selection of poems and photographs was published in 1955 and this can be viewed here.