The historical model for Büchner's last drama Woyzeck is Johann Christian Woyzeck, who was executed in 1824 and whose case launched a debate about the notion of mental incapacity. This volume outlines the historical criminal case and the academic discussion following the verdict and execution. It also examines the literary treatment of the case by Büchner and connections to the present time.

Prof. Dr. Anja Schiemann, Hochschule der Polizei, Münster.