This collection of in-depth case studies presents a tableau of informal and formal varieties of sociality encountered in Northwest Germany in the latter half of the 18th century. One focal point is the various forms of enlightened society to be found there - reading clubs and secrets societies, fraternities, musical societies and friendly associations. But much coverage is also given to forms of sociality in different classes of society and the way in which they interacted. The innovative feature of this approach is its focus on the coexistence of different forms of sociality in different strata of society.