In the last years of his life Carl Orff worked on a large documentation of his life and work. It was published in eight volumes between 1975 and 1983 and contained not only Orff's own memories but also analytical texts from his environment. The present edition makes Carl Orff's autobiographical texts accessible again in a compact and clear form for better reading and provides a comprehensive impression of Orff's view of himself. His personal assessment becomes clear against the historical background of the 20th century.