Joseph Beuys, born on 12 May 1921 in Krefeld, grew up in Kleve and studied sculpture at the Düsseldorf Art Academy, where he taught as a professor from 1961. His first solo exhibition took place in 1953 at Haus van der Grinten. He participated in the Venice Biennale in 1976 and 1980, and took part in seven documenta exhibitions. In 1979, he became the first German artist to have a retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Joseph Beuys passed away in Düsseldorf on 23 January 1986, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced the art world in the second half of the 20th century, particularly at documenta in Kassel.

This anthology commemorates Beuys on the occasion of his 100th birthday in 2021. The articles explore his life and work from various perspectives, including the notable project "7000 Oaks," where each tree was planted with basalt stelae in the Kassel area. Beuys initiated this project on 16 March 1982, despite facing significant opposition. The book also presents a current planting action in Chicago that restages this artwork.

Additional topics covered include "Where is Joseph Beuys? A Conspiracy Theory," personal reflections on Beuys, expert opinions on the acquisition of his works, and his connections to Italy. The economically less developed southern Italy, known as the Mezzogiorno, served as an important source of inspiration for Beuys, influencing his artistic expression through its originality, culture, and history. His close spiritual and emotional bond with the people of this region is highlighted, along with discussions of his other works for various documenta exhibitions, such as the "Office of the Organisation for Direct Democracy through Referendum" and "Pack.".