About This Book:
The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.
This gorgeous compendium explores eight of the world’s greatest mountains across all its continents: Everest, Matterhorn, Chimborazo, Fuji, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Puncak Jaya and Vinson Massif. Discover the fascinating stories of the mountains’ formation, their unique ecosystems, the mythologies of their local populations and the legendary tales of their conquest. Each chapter includes a breakdown of the best route to the summit and the dangers one might face on the way.
Concise, accessible texts by Robin Jacobs (Earth-Shattering Events, Cicada 2019) provide further information about mountain terminology, knot tying and climbing gear, making this a must-have for any budding explorer or climbing enthusiast. Dynamic, vintage-inflected illustrations by Ed J Brown (Epic Animal Journeys, Cicada 2022), bring the book to life, capturing a spirit of adventure and taking young readers on an awe-inspiring expedition to the top of the world.
*Review Contributed By Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*
All about mountains and the people who climb them
If you ever thought mountains were boring, think again! This book is overflowing with information about mountaineering and the world’s famous peaks, ranging from geologic terms to folklore to anecdotes about explorers.
In between all these facts and stories, a backdrop of vibrant full color illustrations brings every page to life. I particularly enjoyed the sections describing the cultural significance of each peak, and how it was connected to language, lore, or religious practices. In conversation, the largest peaks often get boiled down to their statistics – height, weather, factor of danger – but this book makes sure to give a full picture of each landmark.
Overall, a great resource for lovers of the outdoors and exploration stories.
