The new lavish volume on the Ruhr area: more than 300 treasures from art and culture, sports and nature, economy and science reflect the many faces of this fascinating metropolitan region in the heart of Europe. More than five million people live here and shape the rapid transformation from an industrial power center to a forward-looking knowledge economy. Much has a model character, some is quirky. 20 chapters, introduced by renowned authors, provide insights into the myth of the Ruhr area. A measurement of ruggedness and beauty, tradition and new beginnings, past and future.