A long-awaited, up-to-date book has now been published about the geological history of North Rhine-Westphalia, which has been primarily shaped by mining, stone, and lignite coal. The author worked for many years at the Geological State Office of North Rhine-Westphalia and has described the geology of the region in a way that is understandable even for non-specialists while still providing a good summary for professionals. The author has highlighted seven thematic complexes. He first outlines the landscape forms, i.e., geomorphology, in the second section he describes the geological history, and in the third, he discusses folding and deformation processes. The fourth section sketches the individual regions of North Rhine-Westphalia. From the wealth of particularly striking and significant geological features in these areas, two unique examples have been selected that possess regional importance. The fifth section also reports on the oldest prehistoric era and the people who lived then. In the sixth section, the author attempts to look into the future and discusses the consumption of landscapes and rocks in the coming decades. Especially for professionals, a final section provides a detailed mention of the literature used. The author intentionally did not want to present a handbook but rather a concise overview of the geology of the region that introduces the geological history and events of North Rhine-Westphalia, while also offering references to specialized articles for those who wish to learn more through the numerous literature citations. Interested parties include geologists, geographers, miners, students, and institutions in geology, geography, and mineralogy, as well as teachers, schools, and general and scientific libraries.