Robert Walser is now considered one of the most important prose authors of the 20th century. Although he gained some recognition among literary circles early on with his novels "Geschwister Tanner," "Der Gehülfe," and "Jakob von Gunten," Walser lived on the fringes of society throughout his life and only achieved international fame posthumously. For the first time, the life and work of this significant author are presented in a handbook that includes analyses of individual works based on the latest research and provides insights into overarching thematic aspects. The contexts of creation as well as writing and presentation methods are discussed in relation to current scientific questions. The concluding section on reception illustrates how an author who was once almost forgotten became a classic of modern literature.