REVIEWS+

Mountaineers

Great Tales of Bravery and Conquest
by Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution. Mountaineers: Great Tales of Bravery and Conquest. DK. Sept. 2011. 360p. illus. maps. index. ISBN 9780756686826. $40. REC
COPY ISBN
This book (which credits no authors) surveys the history and personalities of the daring pursuit of high peaks, rock faces, and snowy summits. There are six chronological sections—"Early Mountaineers," "Climbing for Science and Art," "The Golden Age of Alpinism," "Beyond the Alps," "Slaying the Giants," and "The Age of Extremes"—with time lines, biographies of mountaineers, sidebars, and black-and-white and color photographs. Coverage extends from the 5000-year-old body of "the Iceman," discovered in 1991 some 10,530 feet up in the Alps; to Junko Tabei, the first woman to climb Mt. Everest; to today's professional mountaineers and free climbers.
VERDICT While similar to National Geographic's Voices from the Summit, the presentation here is more extensive and far better illustrated, effectively combining dramatic photography with authoritative text. It should appeal to armchair mountaineers as well as those who pursue the sport and its history. In addition to the standard index, there is one for all peaks and ranges mentioned in the book. Recommended for all recreation collections.
Reviewed by Patrick Owens, Central Washington Univ. Lib., Ellensburg , Sep 15, 2011
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?