With more than 22,000 verses, the Esopus of the former monk and protestant pastor Burkard Waldis is the most comprehensive collection of German fables of the 16th century. The first volume contains the 400 animal fables of Aesop, jokes and anecdotes edited in accordance with the first edition from 1548. The second volume provides an introduction and extensive annotations as well as the reprint of the numerous Latin versions. Extensive indices make this narrative treasury from the Reformation era accessible.