On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Gotthelf's death, the editors began on an historical-critical edition of the author's non-literary works, representing the first stage in the eventual historical-critical edition of Gotthelf's entire oeuvre. The editors have engaged in extensive consultations with experienced editing experts and Gotthelf specialists on the objective of editing and commenting on Gotthelf's complete works in their historical and political context, and on potential avenues to be explored toward the realization of this endeavor. The articles assembled here indicate new approaches to Gotthelf, whose experiences as a committed clergyman, school reformer, journalist, and contributor to religious almanacs all found their way into his narratives.