Provides a pioneering interdisciplinary overview of the literature and music of nine centuries Offers research essays by literary specialists and musicologists that provides access to the best current interdisciplinary scholarship on connections between literature and music Includes five historical sections from the Middle Ages to the present, with editorial introductions to enhance understanding of relationships between literature and music in each period Charts and extends work in this expanding interdisciplinary field to provide an essential resource for researchers with an interest in literature and other media Bringing together seventy-one newly commissioned original chapters by literary specialists and musicologists, this book presents the most recent interdisciplinary research into literature and music. In five parts, the chapters cover the Middle Ages to the present. The volume introduction and methodology chapters define key concepts for investigating the interdependence of these two art forms and a concluding chapter looks to the future of this interdisciplinary field. An editorial introduction to each historical part explains the main features of the relationships between literature and music in the period and outlines recent developments in scholarship. Contributions represent a multiplicity of approaches: theoretical, contextual and close reading. Case studies reach beyond literature and music to engage with related fields including philosophy, history of science, theatre, broadcast media and popular culture. This trailblazing companion charts and extends the work in this expanding interdisciplinary field and is an essential resource for researchers with an interest in literature and other media.