This facsimile edition reproduces the 1777-1778 issue of Friedrich Nicolai's pioneering collection of German folksongs. In addition to the complete text of the original publication, this volume includes an introduction and commentary by renowned philologist Johannes Bolte. A treasure trove of traditional songs and a valuable resource for students of folklore and German language and literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.