Written by a leading figure in film and literary studies, this accessible textbook offers a first-rate analysis of the process and the art of literature-to-film adaptations. Provides a lively, rigorous, and clearly written account of key moments in the history of the novel from Don Quixote and Robinson Crusoe up to Lolita and One Hundred Years of Solitude Emphasizes both the literary texts themselves and their varied transtextual film adaptations Examines numerous literary trends - from the self-conscious novel to magic realism - before exploring the cinematic impact of the movement Reinvigorates the field of adaptation studies by examining it through the grid of contemporary theory Brings novels and film adaptations into the age of multiculturalism, postcoloniality, and the Internet by reflecting on their contemporary relevance The book contains a wealth of insights for those who care about literature, film, and theory, offering the ideal introduction to this multifaceted subject. Together with its two companion volumes, it will doubtless change the field.