The Rhine is by far the most significant river in Western Europe; it has been described many times and sung about by artists and poets in the highest terms. Why is the Rhine not only so beautiful but also so special from a natural history perspective? In an exciting way, with many photos and graphics, the book addresses interesting phenomena on the topic, and the reader learns all sorts of fascinating and surprising things about what seems to be an old acquaintance. For example, the Rhine is shorter than one might think, and recently, alongside the Lower Rhine, the Middle Rhine has also emerged as a prominent area for geese. Here, the reader will find densely packed yet entertainingly presented information on the history, flora, fauna, geology, and hydrology of the Rhine as a natural phenomenon and unique habitat structure.