"Specimens with Memoirs of the Less-known British Poets, Volume 3" by George Gilfillan is a literary collection written in the mid-19th century. This volume focuses on a selection of lesser-known British poets from the period between John Dryden and William Cowper, providing both their works and biographical sketches to enrich understanding of their contributions to poetry. The book serves as a historical and critical examination of these poets, many of whom have been overshadowed by more famous contemporaries. The opening of the volume introduces the third period of poetry in Britain, highlighting poets like Sir Charles Sedley and John Pomfret along with their notable works. Gilfillan begins with Sir Charles Sedley's life, emphasizing his charm and social wit despite a lack of lasting literary fame, followed by an analysis of his poem “To a Very Young Lady.” He then touches on John Pomfret, focusing on the themes of his poem “The Choice,” which reflects a longing for a peaceful and simple life. This portion sets the tone for both the literary merit and personal narratives of the poets featured in the collection, establishing a context that celebrates their varied yet significant contributions to the poetic landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)