On 3 September 1746, King Frederick II of Prussia elevated Hagen to the status of a town. This book is published to mark the 275th anniversary of the town's founding - the first comprehensive account of the town's history from the earliest traces of settlement to the present day, written by acknowledged experts. Overview chapters describe interrelationships and long-term developments - social, economic, political, cultural. Informative spotlights focus on special people, events and objects. A large number of colour illustrations bring the recent and distant past to life. The volume invites all those interested in the history of the city and the region to browse, read and look up.