Klaus Wagenbach is one of the last representatives of a generation of independent, unconventional, and passionate publishers; a leftist but undogmatic thinker who does not shy away from the consequences of political action; and an early and steadfast lover of Italy to this day. Additionally, he is a cheerful storyteller, an eager writer of forewords, a highly anticipated speaker at celebrations, but also someone who enjoys contradicting when public opinion seeks to morally and politically vilify someone. This volume collects Klaus Wagenbach's texts about Italy (including art history), politics, the life and future of books, and individual authors (including Fried, Hermlin, Celan, Jandl, Grass, Pasolini). A large portion of the texts has not been published before, although important historical documents such as the eulogy for Ulrike Meinhof have also been included.