This paper deals with a controversial issue concerning the selection criteria of Wang Anshi's (1021-86) Anthology of Works by One Hundred Tang Poets. The first focus is the motive behind the compilation of this anthology. The next focus is a historical survey and study of the concept of "Tang Poetry." This second goal will be achieved by a comparison between the selections from anthologies dated from the early Northern Song period, such as the Wenyuan yinghua and Tangwen cui, with those in Wang's Anthology. The final focus is a textual analysis of the construction of Wang Anshi's poetics and his interpretation of "Tang poetry" as revealed in his Anthology.