In the seven-volume collected works of Wolfgang Hilbig, the essays are the indispensable keystone. These include not only Hilbig's poetry lectures and other texts on art but also the numerous acceptance speeches he gave when awarded literary prizes. His speech in Kamenz, with its harsh criticism of German reunification in 1997, had caused a scandal, while the Büchner Prize speech of 2002 became a melancholic reflection on the role of literature. However, Hilbig's true talent shines in those dreamlike essays that combine observation and reflection with the power and tone of his narratives. Additionally, this volume contains Wolfgang Hilbig's most important interviews - they are the impressive self-revelation of a distinctive poet.