MERZ was the central invention of Kurt Schwitters, both a classic and revolutionary of modern art, and his MERZ building the manifestation of his landmark idea of the total art work. Myth of a once-in-a-lifetime work of art that it was, it became the point of departure for all kinds of artistic innovation. This publication documents Schwitters´ oeuvre, which transcends the idea of genre, and its meaning for art in the second half of the 20th century: artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly or Joseph Beuys were informed by Schwitters´ principle of collage and his idea of merging art and life. Recent works by contemporary artists such as Jessica Stockholder, Laura Kikauta, the groups Gelatin and Tomato - who also did the book design - forge a bond to Schwitters´ mental attitude and the continuation of the collage principle. (English edition available ISBN 3-7757- 0951-7) The artist: Kurt Schwitters (Hanover 1887-1948 Kendal, Lake District). Studies at the Hanover school for applied arts and the Königlich Sächsische Akademie der Künste in Dresden. In 1911, first participation in an exhibition. In 1919, first MERZ picture and publication of the poem "An Anna Blume". After 1923, work at the MERZ building, publication of the MERZ. In 1937, defamation of his works, emigration to Norway. In 1940, flight to England. In 1943, destruction of the house and the MERZ building in an air raid.