This volume focuses on the story of Judith as presented by poets and composers over four centuries. Helen Leneman analyzes numerous examples of music, librettos and the librettists' views of Judith - strongly influenced by societal attitudes of their time - and how these librettos in turn suggest unexpected ways of understanding biblical women and their stories.

Beginning with the political influences of several 17th and 18th century operettas based on Judith, Leneman then turns to the radicalism of the 19th century, the social upheavals in France and Italy, and the period's influence on both Judith's defiance and her scheme of seduction. Expanding 19th century oratorios, and one Russian opera's influence upon several major composers, Leneman culminates Judith's journey with the 20th century, including a critique of Siegfried Matthus's harshly criticized 1980s opera.