The Göttinger Hain is generally considered to have been the most close-knit circle of poets in the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) period. Its collection of poetry called the »Bundesbuch« (1772/73) has only come down to us in manuscript form. This volume combines the first complete edition of the poems with a full-scale study of its significance and an extensive commentary section. The collection encompasses most of the poetic genres familiar at the time, and the poems address almost all the significant topics and currents prevalent in the period of upheaval around 1770. It is the last major document in the history of 18th century German poetry that has not yet been accorded the attention it merits.