Over many years of work, the editor Prof. em. Dr. Dieter Wuttke found 24000 of probably 27000 letters to and from Panofsky in archives all over the world and selected more than 3000 for this edition. The selection-published in 5 volumes-is critically prepared, annotated and easily accessible through indices. The first volume covers the period from Panofsky's university studies, his time as a Professor in Hamburg, his expulsion by the Nazi-Regime to his settling down in Princeton. The work sees itself as a contribution to the understanding of the history of the life and influence of Erwin Panofsky, who did not leave an autobiography. By his letters, Panofsky's personality gains outlines and vividness. They offer views of the eventful history of the 20th Century from the perspective of an exceptional personality, whereby the history of science, social studies, persons and institutions have special emphasis. Apart from few exceptions the correspondence of Panofsky is the unknown part of his lifework and will be a starting point for future research work. German text.