Over the space of almost 30 years, Eichendorff constantly returned to the idea of writing an autobiography, approaching the project from a variety of angles, changing his thematic emphases and contemplating various literary forms. The present volume is organised to reflect the five different stages in Eichendorff's ,memoir project', presenting the relevant texts in chronological order and grouped according to the specific plan Eichendorff had in mind at a given point.