This manuscript was written in August-September of 1802 by the puppeteer Johann Georg Geisselbrecht. In 1827, the Grand Duke of Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach Carl Friedrich came into possession of the manuscript, which became part of his private library. It was then preserved in the Grand Duke’s private library in Weimar, from 1853 onwards (Klassik Stiftung Weimar, Goethe- und Schiller-Archiv, Ms. 97/VSt 55).

The play draws inspiration from the life of the famous outlaw Schinderhannes (Johannes Bückler, circa 1779-1803), who was arrested at Francfort-sur-le-Main in 1802 and brought to justice in Mayence (which was under French administration then). Following the trial, he was guillotined in 1803. His crimes swept the whole of Germany. Geisselbrecht was the first writer to show the outlaw’s life on a theatrical stage. Other versions, by puppeteers and actors, followed.

During the performances, Geisselbrecht had a trained dog draw the cart on which Schinderhannes was carried after being arrested. Hanswurst was mounted on the dog.

The tailor Hanswurst is trying to become a spy to arrest the infamous outlaw Schinderhannes. However, he ends up becoming part of the band of outlaws and helps his partners break into the town, which they plunder. Outlaws relate that they have robbed Jewish shopkeepers. Military officials begin to chase Schinderhannes; fights break out. Schinderhannes runs away with his lover Julie. He repents his crimes and protects his future bride, who is crossing the woods with a dowry of 300 Gulden. He even kills an outlaw from his own band to punish him for gratuitous violent acts. Hanswurst is arrested by a French constable for having stolen a farmer’s pigs. Their difficulty to communicate, as they speak two different languages, leads to many amusing misunderstandings. Hanswurst manages to flee and then betrays his leader, who is finally caught by the soldiers.