Eighteen essays, published between 1970 and 2007 but supplemented to reflect current research, explore the most important types and developments of German poetry (Lieddichtung) from Walther von der Vogelweide and the songbook of Clara Hätzlerlin, often beginning with how the songs were handed down. With an emphasis on Heinrich Frauenlob and Oswald von Wolkenstein, the essays provide an introduction into key areas of the history of the Lied.