The anthology presents a selection of predominantly German-language medieval poetry together with interpretations. A broad genre-typological spectrum is covered, from minnelyric to proverbs and mastersong to spiritual-mystical song poetry from the period from the 12th to the 15th century. The selection is framed by one contribution each on a Latin song from the Carmina Cantabrigiensia and on Johann Fischart's translation of Rabelais and Ronsart. The interpretations, which include 'classics' as well as a few better-known texts, open up a wide range of philological and cultural studies approaches.