The most representative work of its author, this novella is based upon the historical figure of Hans Kohlhase, a 16th century merchant who turned violent after being attacked and victimized by the authorities. As a result, he gathered around him a band of criminals and spread terror throughout the whole of Saxony. La obra más representativa de su autor, esta novela corta está basada en la figura histórica de Hans Kohlhase, un mercader del siglo XVI quien se convirtió en un hombre violento luego de ser atacado y victimizado por las autoridades. A consecuencia juntó una banda de criminales y aterrorizó a toda Sajonia.