The first volume of this edition, which no longer relies on Lachmann's edition but instead derives the texts directly from the manuscripts, contains the verse poetry: those over 120 stanzas that, from today's perspective, represent Walther's most personal contribution to medieval lyricism. They address themes of worldview, instruction and admonition, praise and reproach, as well as engaged commentary on imperial politics, the politics of princes, and the church. The multifaceted and context-rich texts are explained in a detailed commentary.