Known for his work as a performer and songwriter with The Birthday Party, the Bad seeds and Grinderman, Australian artist Nick Cave has also pursued a variety of other projects including writing and acting. Covering the full range of Cave's creative endeavours, this collection of critical essays provides a comprehensive overview of his multifaceted career. Contributions come from a diverse group of scholars and experts who consider Cave's work from different angles, drawing on historical, psychological, pedagogical and generic perspectives. Together, the resulting essays provide a lucid overview of Nick Cave's work that will orient students and fans while offering fresh insights sure to deepen even expert perspectives.