Multimodality is an innovative approach to representation, communication and interaction which looks beyond language to investigate the multitude of ways we communicate: through images, sound and music to gestures, body posture and the use of space.

The Routledge Handbook of Multimodal Analysis is the first comprehensive ‘research tool kit’ for multimodal analysis, with 22 chapters written by leading figures in the field on a wide range of theoretical and methodological issues. It clarifies terms and concepts, synthesizes the key literature with in-depth exploration and illustrative analysis, and tackles challenging methodological issues.

The Handbook includes chapters on key factors for Multimodality such as technology, culture, notions of identity and macro issues such as literacy policy. The handbook takes a broad look at multimodality and engages with how a variety of other theoretical approaches have looked at multimodal communication and representation, including visual studies, anthropology, conversation analysis, socio-cultural theory, socio-linguistics and new literacy studies.

Detailed multimodal analysis case studies are also included, along with an extensive glossary of key terms, to support those new to multimodality and allow those already engaged in multimodal research to explore the fundamentals further.

The Routledge Handbook of Multimodal Analysis is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as researchers involved in the study of multimodal communication.