How can you find the history of Renaissance music?

Renaissance music is defined as that written between 1400 and 1600, although these dates can vary slightly. During this time there was a general awakening across the arts and sciences, and a prolific amount of music was written. The Companion Guide to Medieval and Renaissance Music, written by Tess Knighton and David Fallows, gives useful and comprehensive coverage of the subject, and is an ideal introduction.