Book Description

Now in its 7th edition, this book is the definitive guide to hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains, only an hour or two from Los Angeles. Covering nearly every major trail in these mountains, this book describes 100 hikes, from short, popular hikes to longer, backcountry treks. These remarkable mountains are only a short distance from the dense population of Los Angeles, yet they offer tremendous opportunities for a true wilderness experience. Includes a separate, fold-out map showing all the trails. Find out why this book has become the "bible" for hiking the San Gabriels.

Author John Robinson has been hiking the San Gabriels for over 30 years and is considered to be the foremost expert on the trails of these mountains. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Review of 8th Edition
With this, the 8th and (for John Robinson) last edition of 'Trails of the Angeles' Southern California Hikers are given some new features to an old classic.The table of contents now lists all of the hikes individually, and a summary of hikes appears at the end of the book.Readers are also introduced to the new author, Doug Christiansen, who is taking over future updates to the book as Robinson's advancing age is starting to hinder his work.For his part, Christiansen promises to keep the text as close to Robinson's original as possible.

So why should you buy this book?Simply put, it is the best hiking guide to the San Gabriel Mountain Range in Southern California.Like all Wilderness Press Books, 'Trails of the Angeles' includes substantial coverage of natural and human history in the area.An excellent topographical map, with numerous details, is also included.But best of all are the 100 hikes that continue to offer challenges to generations of hikers.Readers should note that these are not easy walks of a mile or two.The average walk described in the book is over 8 miles and includes substantial elevation gain.But you will be amply rewarded by getting a genuine wilderness experience within an hour or so drive from LA.This is the big draw of a book that has been continuously in print for 35 years.What a joy to discover that it will continue to be updated for the foreseeable future.

A must have for a Southern California hiker
This is an excellent, no nonsense hiking guide. it's the one I use the most often and consult before any hike. John Robinson is one of the gurus of Southern California hiking and his guides are usually dependable, accurate and full of information that will ensure your safety while in the mountains. He provides an adequate history of each hike, driving directions and fairly precise descriptions of where to locate each trailhead. It's important to note that some of his information is outdated; for example, you always must display your Forest Adventure Pass when parking your car in a California National Forest. Robinson doesn't mention this because his guide was written before the Pass became "essential."

Another strength of this book is that Robinson usually provides separate descriptions of various ways to summit, as well as three alternate treks to the peakand this is a valuable tool for the experienced hiker. He tells you how to get to mt. Wilson by the standard route and then the alternate routes. He does the same for San Jacinto, perhaps the premiere hike in Southern California (as well as the most arduous!) The guide is tailored towards seasoned hikers and if you're a neophyte, this probably wouldn't be your best choice. But if you love to hike and live in the L.A. area, the Robinson guide provides indispensible information. Highly recommended.

Best info on hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains
The 1998 edition (which has updated the trails since the 1990 edition referred to in the review below) contains 100 trails in the San Gabriel Mtns., primarily in the Angeles National Forest.While it is apparent that Robinson has not visited some of the trails in some time, most of the trail descriptions are up to date.While not an excellent map, the map that comes with the book is adequate for most purposes.An excellent resource.

This is the best book for getting someone started with hikin
This book is da bom

Excellent Guide To The San Gabriels
This book was very usefull in getting me started hiking in the local mountains the San Gabriels and I take it with me everytime I go up ! The maps are great and directions are clear and concise. ... Read more

Book Description

Each year, thousands of tourists visit Mount Mitchell, the most prominent feature of North Carolina's Black Mountain range and the highest peak in the eastern United States. Environmental historian Timothy Silver explores the long and complicated history of this intriguing landscape, drawing on both the historical record and his experience in the Black Mountains as a backpacker and fly fisherman. He chronicles the geological and environmental forces that created the mountains, then traces their history of environmental change and human intervention from the days of Indian-European contact to today.

Among the many tales Silver recounts is that of Elisha Mitchell, the renowned geologist and University of North Carolina professor for whom Mount Mitchell is named, who fell to his death there in 1857. But nature's stories--of forest fires, chestnut blight, competition among plants and animals, insect invasions, and, most recently, airborne toxins and acid rain--are also part of Silver's narrative, making it the first history of the Appalachians in which the natural world gets equal time with human history. It is only by understanding the dynamic between these two forces, Silver says, that we can begin to protect the Black Mountains for future generations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nature meets Culture
What a terrific book Timothy Silver has crafted! Anyone interested in mountains, hiking, fishing, environmental issues, natural history, or the local history of North Carolina's mountains will enjoy this wonderful account. Professor Silver, a historian in western North Carolina, has written a book in which Mount Mitchell stars at the center of his narrative--and both general readers and professional historians can find meaning and pleasure in his tale.

Like many environmental historians, Silver sees in the reciprocal interaction between nature and culture a larger story of a region. And he brings us this compelling story from a variety of intriguing angles. He offers his own assessments, ones generated on his extensive hiking and fishing trips in the Black Mountains of western North Carolina. He provides insight into the steamy 19th century historical controversy between rivals each seeking to determine which was the highest peak in the region--and to see who could do it first and most authoritatively. (And as a New Englander, I found the tale inviting even if our White Mountains fall short in elevation to North Carolina's peaks!) Professor Silver also examines logging practices and regional boosterism, the antecedent of eco-tourism.

The book has something that will be compelling for a wide audience of readers interested in the natural world and local history--and the style is accessible and enjoyable. Whether you've hiked a lot, love North Carolina, want to investigate stormy political and personal feuds, or wish to know more about regional environmental history, "Mount Mitchell" is a fine read. I commend it to you! ... Read more

Book Description

John Muir called it the "Range of Light, the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I’ve ever seen." The Sierra Nevada—a single unbroken mountain range stretching north to south over four hundred miles, best understood as a single ecosystem but embracing a number of environmental communities—has been the site of human activity for millennia. From the efforts of ancient Native Americans to stimulate populations of game animals by burning brush to create meadows, to the present-day burgeoning resort and residential developments, the Sierra has endured, and often suffered from, the efforts of humans to exploit its bountiful resources for their own benefit.

Historian David Beesley examines the history of the Sierra Nevada from earliest times, beginning with a comprehensive discussion of the geologic development of the range and its various ecological communities. Using a wide range of sources, including the records of explorers and early settlers, scientific and government documents, and newspaper reports, Beesley offers a lively, readable, and deeply informed account of the history, environmental challenges, and political controversies that lie behind the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra.

Among the highlights are discussions of the impact of the California Gold Rush and later mining efforts, as well as the supporting industries that mining spawned, including logging, grazing, water-resource development, market hunting, urbanization, and transportation; the politics and emotions surrounding the establishment of Yosemite and other state and national parks; the tragic transformation of the Hetch Hetchy into a reservoir and the desertification of the once-lush Owens Valley; the roles of the Forest Service, Park Service, and other regulatory agencies; the consequences of the fateful commitment to wildfire suppression in Sierran forests; and the ever-growing impact of tourism and recreational use. Through Beesley’s thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion, John Muir’s "divinely beautiful" range is revealed in all its natural and economic complexity, a place that at the beginning of the twenty-first century is in grave danger of being loved to death. ... Read more

Book Description

Since the first successful ascent of Everest 50 years ago, many others have attempted the daunting summit, and many have succeeded. But, though Everest can be climbed, it cannot be conquered. Few know this as well as David Breashears. A filmmaker and veteran climber of the Himalaya, Breashears agreed to lead the May 1996 expedition that would capture Everest in a large-format IMAX© motion picture. Even in the best conditions, Breashears knew, Everest is a dangerous challenge—that May, an unexpected blizzard proved how deadly it could be. Shocking the world, the storm claimed the lives of eight climbers, including two of the world’s top expedition leaders.

Everest is the breathtaking chronicle of a filmmaking expedition turned rescue mission, and of the courage and cooperation of Breashears and his team as they rose to the life or death challenge. A companion to Breashears’s record-grossing large-format film, Everest features an introduction by Outside magazine editor-at-large Tim Cahill, an afterword by David Breashears, and 125 stunning, full-color images, including IMAX frames from the film.

Reviews (40)

Beautiful Pictures, Deadly Story
This book is an excellent companion piece to Jon Krakauer's epic Everest tale "Into Thin Air" as well as the Everest IMAX film that was being shot at the time that the May 1996 trajedy occurred. The book is coffee table size, and full of spectacular photographs of the mountain, mostly taken by the IMAX team. The narrative that accompanies the images documents what happened during that terrible month, from the horrific deaths to climber David Breashears's team's successful summitting of the mountain with IMAX camera in tow. The words read like a National Geographic article, however, giving only an overview of the events that occurred. Krakauer's book is essential for a complete understanding of what happened.

Overall, a fine coffee table book for those with an interest in mountaineering as well as those fascinated by the May 1996 disaster.

A story that you'll read into the night...
"Everest: Mountain without mercy", the story of the IMAX team who filmed the climbing of Mt. Everest and the tragedy that ensued, made me want to get out and climb. Right now. I'd stop reading for the evening around 1 a.m. (as I couldn't put it down) and want to strap on the crampons and venture up the nearest ravine -- or at least a big staircase. Then as it went on, the author, Coburn, through his group of climbers brought the reality home to me of the exhaustion involved in a high altitude climb such as Chomolunga (the ancient name for Everest).

The photos accompanying the story also conveyed the feeling for the immenseness of the undertaking. However, it is good that this story will be put in the IMAX format, as the photos, as brilliant as they are, cannot convey the size and surroundings that the Himalayas require.

I would have given this book my highest rating, as I could barely drop it, except for two problems: First, the author threw out quite a few technical phrases concerning climbing, Buddhism or the mountain itself, that left me reaching for a dictionary, when I just wanted to find out what happened next. Sometimes I could figure out something from the context, sometimes I couldn't (it wasn't until the middle of the book that I discovered Cwm was a Welsh word, pronounced "koom").

My second beef is about the layout, though I'm not sure of another way to approach it. In the middle of a story, the author would mix in seperate "articles" from various authors about the climate, or geology, or religion, or filming, that while interesting, forced me to choose between continuing the page or the chapter or sentence and reading the article. I can understand the placement, but it broke my chain of thought such that it made me chop up a story that compelled me.

But these small problems were made up for by a story of courage, insight, history, and drama. By the end I realized that while Everest isn't for me, the lessons learned on the mountain can be passed on without the use of bottled oxygen or climbing gear. I highly suggest the read.

1996 IMAX Expedition
This is a beautiful, large coffee table sized book. The photography is sharp, clear and the colors are beautiful. What is most impressive is the range of the text. It takes up the culture of the Sherpas, Buddhism, some geological and physiological findings as well as the climbing and filming of the Everest IMAX movie.

Sponsored by the National Geographic, and led by David Breashears, a highly respected leader and photographer, this was a dream team in operation. Lead climber was Ed Viesturs, brilliant U.S. climber who has attained 12 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, all without supplemental oxygen. I am happy to report he is not just a myth; his favorite meal on the mountain is Spam, yes Spam. Also this grueling trip was his "honeymoon." His bride accompanied him to Base Camp (about 17,000 feet) and got to worry about him for a solid month. I enjoyed reading about sparkling Aracali Segarra, attempting to be the first Spanish woman to summit Everest (she made it!) She is living proof that female mountaineers can be pretty and vivacious as well as awesome athletes.

The IMAX team was of enormous assistance to the beleaguered Hall/Fisher teams. They supplied oxygen, helped rescue and support the injured climbers on the South Face. Some of the pictures are brutal of the rescue attempts. The pictures of the mountain are splendid. The viewer will get an excellent sense of Everest's brooding size. To me, Everest is a Godzilla of a mountain. It does not have the proportioned beauty of K-2; it is one enormous hulk. But this does not take away from its majesty and awe. To the Sherpas, climbing Mt. Everest is a spiritual experience, something that is done with many prayers and much reverence.

Everest: Mountain Without Mercy will give you hours of enjoyment. It covers so many aspects of the area, and is beautifully printed and bound. I recommend it for your own reading or an excellent gift.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

great photos
great phots and more scientific indepth articles but for interesting reading buy high exposure by d. breashears or climb by anatoli b. instead

Fascinating story; beautiful pictures
This book is about the IMAX team's filming during the same climbing season the famous 1996 disaster chronicled in "Into Thin Air" occurred. The book includes some information also discussed in "Into Thin Air," but also lots of interesting stories about the IMAX team's climb. It also has gorgeous pictures of the climb [although there appears not to have been a still camera at and near the very top, because presumably it wasn't working in such high altitude.] I could have done without the detailed descriptions of how an IMAX camera worked, but it's a small quibble, and probably necessary to the story. There is also a list in the back of statistics and names of people who have summitted, which is terrific for climbing afficianados like me. I would highly recommend this book to any fan of climbing and adventure books to add to their collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

good, but only covers common species. no keys to genus/sp
Good photographs, but these alone are not adequate to allow identification of many of the species described. Since most distinguishing characteristics of related species are described in terms of "less than" or "more than" the species photographed, and since you often can't see those characters in the photograph, it is often difficult to use this field guide to distinguish between related species. The key is only to the family level ... Read more

Amazon.com

Skillfully blending history, memory, and observation, philosopher-cum-mountain guide Jack Turner's Teewinot is a year in the life of Wyoming's Teton Range, as told by a true believer. Certainly he captures a sense of the mountains--not only their jagged rock, hidden valleys, and beaten trails, but the flora, fauna, and folks who inhabit them. He navigates this territory with the poise and purpose of a skilled climber--feeling for holds, finding one, adjusting balance, reaching out again in a different direction, pausing on those features whose nuances fit best, but never lingering too long. His narrative meanders between peaks, seasons, communities, periods of history, and moments in time. While lacking much of the intensity in tone and the invitation to controversy of his previous work, The Abstract Wild, Teewinot is still underscored by a deep environmental consciousness and concern for the future of the wild. Turner notes, for instance, the numerous and varied ways Homo sapiens have scarred his beloved wilderness: the trash left behind by campers, the wildlife pushed out of their usual haunts, the rash of development in Jackson Hole. But he also manages to skirt the role played by guide companies like Exum (his employer), noting only that "Exum, of course, is a part of the problem--a small part."Maybe this is denial, a practice he labels "the first line of defense."Or perhaps he relies on the climber's "prizewinning talent for dissociating emotion" to shield him.Whatever, he is content to leave these questions unanswered.Many readers will also be content to leave them as such--a worthwhile trade for a glimpse into a climber's soul. --Rene Henery ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Much Better Than Expected
This beautifully crafted narrative presents a month-by-month, May through April, description of a 58 year old mountain climbing guide's recollections and reflections on living and working Grand Teton National park. Teewinot is the nearest peak visible from the author's seasonal cabin in the park.

Each chapter is an essay about climbing, wildlife, plants, environmental management or personality profiles related to events that happened during that month. The book begins in May because that's when spring begins to overtake winter, covers the intense summer climbing season, describes autumn wildlife viewing treks to remote corners of the park and tells about winter ski treks. The lifestyle and habits of climbing guides, rangers and other professional outdoors people are profiled throughout.

One of the best aspects of the book is that while it's written by a technical climbing guide and has interesting stories about both guided and highly challenging climbs, the book goes beyond that to reflect the author's wide-ranging, eclectic interest and knowledge about everything related to the Tetons.

Highly recommended to anyone interested in mountaineering, national parks, wildlife and the contemporary American West. There are 11 unexceptional color photographs, two maps with sufficient detail to follow the ground covered in the essays, and a six-page bibliography of reference sources for the Tetons and other topics covered, although many books cited are probably available only in large reference libraries.

intimate relationship
As I read, Turner took me on an alpine guided trip that allowed me to vicariously absorb the intimacies of nature and "sit" with him as he basked, observed and recorded the essence of nature and the Tetons. I felt like I was with him for every step and hold. This is a very sensual account of his year in the Tetons. The intimacies of his account are to be relished. He was generous to share his otherworldly view and "heightened" sense of what it is like to humbly share the earth with other beings.

Now I'll have to learn to climb
Jack Turner has yet again produced a book with a sense of place and sometimes even an aura of the Tetons where he has climbed and guided for 40 years. Although this book is more relaxed and less intense than his powerful "Abstract Wild" it nevertheless provides a mature outlook on life in the Tetons. Turner is not afraid to reveal himself in this book and yet does not fall into sentimentality, the accounts of climbing and the experiences with friends are especially moving such as the tragic consequences of a fall for his friend Kim Schmitz who suffered in incredible agony after breaking just about everything or the death of Leigh Ortenburger, and yet there are great times too like the remarkable skiing of Mark Newcombe and Turner's love of Rilke and Haiku which also appeals very much to me. Surrounding these images of lost friends and at times extreme experiences is the national park itself which never leaves the scene always providing the glue which binds the whole together. Turner has a remarkable grasp of both the scientific aspects of the park such as the geology and the biology/ecology which is added to the feel of it at the same time, I mean the sense of being experienced when the mind is stilled, something which is always enhanced in a wild area where existence is forced upon you no longer escapable such as in a big city. Through the stories of the park, the people and his own very human outlook you can't help but feel Turner loves where he is and lives for it wholeheartedly, his own journey into philosophy, Zen show how deeply he thinks about his life and the natural environment. I also feel that he loves what he does and where he is so much that he not willing to give it up to go that extra distance needed in really deep meditation. My own experiences in this mean that joy can be found everywhere whether it is a city or in natural surroundings. Jack Turner is a man that I would like to meet, his energy, his dynamic outlook, his interest in just about everything is not that common nowadays. A wonderful book of a man and his love.

A lot of nature, a little climbing
Each of the book's chapters represents a typical month during the author's decades of life in the Tetons. During each season you get up early with the author, have breakfast, go see some wildlife, experience the Tetons. The day-to-day and season-to-season details of his life were just what I was looking for: I wanted to get real close to what it would feel like to really be there. One third or less of the book covers climbing experiences, and even these accounts may have great appeal for non-climbers such as myself, because the author's attention is forever focused on the natural world around him. The book is especially rich for the author's gift at observing and describing the natural world. Other topics such as ecological issues and author's spiritual views are very subtley and concisely raised throughout the book and are only sidebars in what is an excellent journal about the wild world of the Tetons.

If someone is interested in a better understanding of conflict between game wardens and the public in Wyoming, a topic touched upon in Teewinot, I recommend "Wild Journey" by Bragonier.

A year in the Grand Tetons
As a lover of the Grand Tetons I couldnt wait to read a book written by a guide who has spent much of his life in the Teton range. Jack Turner has guided many clients to the Grand Teton summit as well as climbed a majority of other peaks in the Teton range. If you are expecting a spell binding thriller about mountain climbing, you will be dissapointed. However, if you want to get a feel for the experience of simply being in the Teton range during the 4 seasons, then this book is for you. Turner's knowledge of wildlife and plantlife in the Teton range is amazing, as is his ability to describe the ever changing seasons in the mountains. His Zen religious influences are also referenced but never heavy handed as he manages to weave the Zen philosophy with the seasons and changing climate. Turner does get to be a bit preachy on the subject of man encroaching upon natural habitats and the destruction of our wild eco system; but his love for the natural beauty of the Tetons allowed me to forgive this minor annoyance. Turner takes us through the seasons of the Teton range in a smooth flowing narrative that is satisfying and enlightening. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy the Tetons as well as others who are simply interested in one person's perception of one of our finest wildlife areas. ... Read more

Book Description

Full of color photos and color trail maps, this is the essentialguide to the area's very best back-packing hikes. It is written anddesigned for those who are committed to maximizing their backcountryexperiences without endangering the environment. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Choose a hike and take the one page description with you.
The key to "Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, Binder Edition" is the word Binder. Choose a hike, remove the page and insert it in the protective plastic envelope provided. Leave the book at home! Each hike outlines trail location, distance, and elevation. A knowledgeable description follows. Tastefully integrated are photographs and highlighted vignettes. For example, read the words of explorer Walter Wilcox upon his discovery of Paradise Valley in 1894! One is delighted by Graeme Pole's keen attention to detail: turn a page and see animal tracks padding across it, another page reveals a silouette of a mountain flower. The only way to improve Classic Hikes is to personalize it with your notes in the margins.

Great descriptions and pictures but not complete
This is a really good guidebook if the hike you want is covered. The pictures really whet your appetite and are generally fairly high quality. The descriptions are good but sometimes only focus solely on the suggested hike. This can be a problem in some areas (like Lake O'Hara for example) have a lot of options and other trails that are not covered (on the bright side the suggested hikeis wonderful). If you want to focus on the highlights of the Canadian Rockies, this guidebook is a great choice. If you want a more complete guide of all the options available, you may need a different guidebook. Personally, I would buy both this and a more complete guidebook like "Canadian Rockies Trail Guide." ... Read more

Book Description

Three centuries ago, mountains were considered forbidding and forbidden—the abodes of dragons and other ill-tempered grotesque beasts. But with the growing recognition that the Earth’s surface had not been created once and for all but was slowly evolving, mountains came to be seen as the unexplored text of the Earth’s story—a terrain that scientists, adventurers, naturalists, and, finally, travelers began to explore. In Mountains of the Mind, Robert Macfarlane blends cultural history, meditation, and memoir to show how early geologists helped transform our perceptions of the wild, chaotic landscapes; how the allure of height increasingly drew fearless climbers, culminating in the romantic figure of George Mallory, the passionate Englishman who died on Mount Everest in 1924; and how the elemental beauty of snow and ice coalesced into an aesthetic of the sublime.
Mountains of the Mind is at once an enthralling work of history, an intimate account of Macfarlane’s own experiences, and a beautifully written meditation on how memory, landscape, imagination, and the landscape of mountains are joined together in our minds and under our feet. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Unique history of mountains and climbing
Robert MacFarlane's book is the most original take on Mountains I have ever read. MacFarlane's book examines how our view of MOuntains has changed over the centuries. Today we regard them as things we have mastered but three hundred years ago they were regarded as fearful places ... a bit of hell on earth. He describes how our geological and cultural view of them evolved as science replaced superstition as the basis for knowledge of these places. He uses loads of interesting anecdotes to illustrate his story as well as personal reminiscence ... he's an amateur climber. He is also a dream of a writer. I usually devour books ... but this one was so original and so well written that t took me a couple of weeks ... I wanted to savour it in small bites excellent reading for a vacation in the mountains -- or the beach.

From the Ridiculous to the Sublime
Just think that mountains were once seen as the wild pimples of the world, good for nothing blemishes, protruding from the arable and the habitable.

Macfarlane traces the change in attitude in Western conception of the mountains and how they became places to aspire to, to reflect upon, to escape to, to die for.

Macfarlane's personal climbing stories nicely intersesct with the historical narrative as he tries to find those key moments in time which changed things, and how interesting it is to see poets like Petrarch and Coleridge playing major parts in this transformation.

The growing appeal of the other-world, of places like Mount Blanc are beautifully described but I didn't think it needed the whole last chapter devoted to Mallory and Everest.

This book is eminently readable, detailed and interesting, and freely admits it owes more than a little to Schama's 'Lanscape and Memory'.

Preaching to the converted
Fortunately, this is not yet another egotistical man-against-the-mountain book in the style of Joe Simpson et.al. Rather, this book purports to be an exploration of the fascination with mountains that came to grip the Western mind-set. Therefore it is more of a cultural history of climbing than a pure 'tale of adventure'.

Macfarlane has obviously researched his subject thoroughly. Unfortuately, this shows due to the fact that there is so much in here that is not really required - more than once an addition read as though the author had come across yet another quote he found interesting and just 'had to' shoe-horn it into the book. Therefore we have endless references to people like Keats, who himself was never really into climbing mountains, but happened to say something about them. ... There is a lot of interest in this book, but you have to read through repetitive sections to get to them. There is also a lot of reliance on quotes - again and again we get someone saying 'Itis impossible to describe....' then attempting to describe it. It gets a bit boring after awhile, leaving this reader champing at the bit to get to the next chapter.

The inclusion of personal anecdotes is also a bit dry. I don't have anything against books where a historical/scientific and/or cultural exploration is interspersed with personal narrative or anecdotes. But these anecdotes seem to jump all over the place: perhaps they would have been much more useful if the author had referred to one climbing trip throughout, using examples from this to underline the points he is making. And the section on Mallory doesn't fit: I realise that the author is using him as an example of the ideas he has been exploring throughout the book, but really it is just a potted history. He continues to comment on the fact that Mallory was drawn to Everest, even though he knew there was a good chance that he wouldn't come back, and despite the fact he had a wife he loved very much and wanted to spend time with. Yet we never quite get an explanation of why, which was ultimately meant to be the point, I thought.

Not sure what market this book is trying to reach - if someone picks it up to read about climbing adventures, I think they will be bored quite quickly. If they are looking for an in-depth cultural history of climbing, they might find this book a bit 'bitty'. Which is a shame, as this is a book that obviously has had a lot of work put into it, and there are some very interesting ideas contained in it. If only you didn't have to wade through so much extraneous material to get there.

The Magic of Mountains
From the opening recollection to the last sentence, Macfarlane's history of how mountains have been imagined left me aching to read more. The final words took me by surprise; I fully expected to turn the page for at least a few more spellbinding paragraphs. While the author's own experiences with altitude, ice, and snow are interspersed throughout, this is not at all a flimsy excuse to offer up a personal memoir or a coming-of-age story. Rather, his own stories effectively illustrate his larger points. The final problem of the plot, Mallory's fatal ascent toward the summit of Everest, lingers throughout as the essential riddle, and yet Macfarlane skillfully avoids letting that tragedy overwhelm the rest of the book. Every historical nuance, every detail of landscape, every observation of human endeavor is crafted through the comprehension of one who is sensitive to his own place in the historical development he chronicles. It is difficult not to recall Barry Lopez's Arctic Dreams as far as the depth of understanding and the quality of the writing.

An adventure story for the adult mind
We humans seem to have an unquenchable thirst for vicarious danger. Mountains of the Mind in not just an adventure tale, however; it's also an essay-like exploration of our fascination with these nearly unattainable high places that have for so long provided inspiration and insight. Mountains are difficult to write about without resorting to clichés, but Macfarlane manages to wax eloquent without overwhelming us with his considerable descriptive powers.
Almost makes me want to go climb a mountain... ... Read more

Book Description

Enter the realm of the mountain lion through Thomas D. Mangelsen's latest book. With 40 colorful photographs, "Spirit of the Rockies: The Mountain Lions of Jackson Hole" is the first photographic documentary of the wild, free mountain lions. Story by Cara Shea Blessley ... Read more

Book Description

Get up close and personal with the Northwest's most powerful icon in this inspiring portrait of Mount Rainier, magnet to more than 2 million visitors a year. Photographer James Martin captures the awesome beauty of this majestic peak, from its icy glaciers to its lush alpine meadows, while climber and writer John Harlin provides engrossing accounts of adventure on the mountain. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Will make you interested in visiting our favorite mountain!
If you are in the mood for an armchair journey, this book will bring Mt. Rainier to you. We have been up there quite a few times and love to take pictures up there.

Experience the fir trees and the crunch of snow underfoot from a distance. James Martin has captured the magnificence of this mountain.

John Harlin III complements the photography with text and has climbed many of the mountains in the Northwest.

I think we are about due for another visit!

It is so gorgeous in the Northwest. I don't want to live anywhere else. ... Read more

Book Description

The "what's that?" guide to Northwest plants and animals--now expanded, updated, and in full color!

* More than 700 color illustrations for easy identification
* Expanded with new sections on mushrooms, insects, and rock identification
* Handy color tabs for easy access, and quick reference index on back cover

Don't just call it a mushroom when it's a golden chanterelle; know your screech owl from your saw-whet owl; distinguish a monarch butterfly from a painted lady--all with the help of this comprehensive guide to the common plants and animals of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

The species accounts have been updated with the latest taxonomic changes and, as before, include common name, scientific name, and description of important features, habitat, and geographic range. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Authors Comments
This book is designed to cover the most commonly encountered species of plants and animals in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, but it also will be very useful in the lowlands and coast ranges as well. The second edition has been considerably upgraded and the art is now all in color. If you are looking for ONE book to cover plants, mushrooms, butterflies, insects, amphibians and reptiles, mammals and birds and you want the most commonly seen ones selected out for you, then this book will serve you well.

I encourage readers to review the introductory material on communities to familiarize yourself with the habitats and concepts that will guide you to use this book to its fullest.

I welcome comments about this book, you can email me at floriferous@msn.com ... Read more

Book Description

Many have seen it, but few people know it well. Now come visit the Grandfather Mountain in its complete history, and full stature as one of the world's great mountains. Grandfather Mountain: A Profile travels back to the origins of this living entity, then traces its unique development--geological, natural, prehistoric, and modern humans-- to the present day, where it still stands alone as the grand patriarch of the Blue Ridge Mountains. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A decent effort; could be retitled.
Grandfather Mountain, A Profile is a short paperback, comprising some 100 pages. It provides a history and overview of this well-known mountain and privately-held park area in Western North Carolina.

The author, Miles Tager, who lives in Linville Falls at the base of the Mountain, has a good understanding of geology, biology, and zoology as they apply to the region, and it appears that he has researched the history of the area in some detail. His book describes the geological processes in the early formation of the mountain in the Cambrian period some 600 million years ago, and provides insight into its development into current times. He discusses how Grandfather Mountain, located in the great Appalachian Range that traverses an area from Maine to Georgia, is now viewed by geologists.

He continues in his book with a discussion of the flora and fauna found on the mountain-one of the most ecologically rich in the World located in a temperate zone-- and emphasizes the numerous animals and plants now either extinct or threatened, such as the Woods Bison,the Caribou, the Red Wolf, the Salamander and many threatedned plants.

In the most interesting part of his book, he provides an overview of human activity in the area, ranging through archaic inhabitants, DeSoto's visit to the region in the 1500's, the role of the Cherokees in the region, and a fascinating discussion of the "Menlungeons", an olive-skinned, black-haired, blue-eyed, group of Portuguese from whom, according to the author, the stereotype of the Appalachian hillbilly was born. He also debunks a commonly held myth surrounding a still-viewable carving, purportedly by Daniel Boone, engraved on a tree in Wautauga county stating that "D.Boon killed a Bar 'date'" [D. Boone killed a bear].

He continues the book with a chapter titled "Explanations", that purports to provide the historical rationale as to the loss of plants and animal; a chapter titled "Exploitation", a discussion of 1880's gold mining, logging in the 1900's, and to some extent, commercial development in the area since. "Preservation", a short discussion of preservation efforts in the area, concludes the book.

Mr. Tager is a very capable writer, logically developing the book into a fast and relatively easy read--although the fog index rises on occasion. He does raise very legitimate environmental issues important not only to America but the World.

However, I felt uneasy when I finished the book. I didn't feel like I got what the title promised, a "profile." I thought the positive and attractive aspects of the Mountain that attract people such as Mr. Tager to the region were neglected. As attested by the five million or so annual visitors to the area, Grandfather Mountain is among the most spectacular areas in the country. It is an attractive and well-maintained private enterprise that includes a "Mile High Swinging Bridge" and stunning views. It hosts numerous special events such as the famous "Highland Games", "(the 78th this year)Annual Singing on the Mountain", the Grandfather Mountain Marathon and other events. In Charles Kuralt's America, Mr. Kuralt (a North Carolinian) placed it in his 12 most attractive places to visit. Yet few of these things were mentioned and none with more than barely passing comment. Further, in the book, the author seems to be trying to make the case that commercial development is undesirable, yet he gives very short shrift to the current owners and does not detail how the mountain is suffering from their ownership.

On balance, "Profile" is a decent book with a bias. Some derivation of the title of his earlier work, "Saving Grandfather Mountain", would have been more apt.

A terrific regional study.
Grandfather Mountain: A Profile is the history of the highest, oldest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range from its formation nearly a billion years ago through unparalleled natural history to the present day. Indeed, the Grandfather Mountain is one of the most unique geological, ecological, and historical mountains on the globe and has attracted some of the foremost natural scientists in American history. Grandfather Mountain: A Profile is also the story of growth and preservation, of the Cherokees and pioneers of yesteryear, and the modern-day residents, tourists and developers of today. Engaging, informative, "reader friendly", Grandfather Mountain: A Profile is recommended reading for students of natural history, geology, ecology, and American regional studies.

Grandfather Mountain: A Gutsy and Glorious Book.
Grandfather Mountain is a fabulous account of the history and geology of an ancient Appalachian mountain. Miles Tager has the unique ability to excavate what would otherwise read as droll facts and rigid historical tales into contemporary, refreshing reading. He takes a journey back in time, bringing the reader in touch with the earliest geolocical forces to the Native Americans sacred grounds up to modern day tourism and the ever-pressing encroachment of commercial development. The book is well written and honest. I look forward to Mr. Tagers future books! Bravo! ... Read more

Book Description

When John Muir traveled to California in 1868, he found the pristine mountain ranges that would inspire his life’s work. The Mountains of California is the culmination of the ten years Muir spent in the Sierra Nevadas, studying every crag, crook, and valley with great care and contemplation.

Bill McKibben writes in his Introduction that Muir "invents, by sheer force of his love, an entirely new vocabulary and grammar of the wild . . . a language of ecstasy and exuberance."

The Mountains of California is as vibrant and vital today as when it was written over a century ago.

This Modern Library Paperback Classic includes the photographs and line drawings from the original 1898 edition.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

What inspiration...
As a Birder, I spend a lot of time travelling outdoors.I also have a large collection of Bird and Nature books and spend a great amount of time in them.For pure enjoyment;I found this one of the finest.Muir was as one of America,s greatest partakers in and writers of Nature and Enviroment and was in every way as much a giant as the Sequois and Mountains he wrore about.I read this Classic a short time before I visited Yosemite National Park and having done so,encreased my enjoyment and appreciation immeasurably.
After many years of reading,I have come to the conclusion ,that I tend to like books about people I would liked to have known,or to spend some time with.What an experience it would have been to have known and travelled with Muir. While that is impossible;at least we have his writings and can dream.

Muir, from Shasta to San Diego, but mostly in the Sierras.
Some say this is Muir's finest work. As the only other Muir book I've read (at this writing) is Travels in Alaska, I cannot comment on this, other than to say that I enjoyed this book a great deal.
From almost any vantage point in California, whether near or on a distant horizon, there are mountains. A fact not lost on Muir, whose sense of wonder and love of life endear him to his readers.
"God's glacial-mills grind slowly, but they have been kept in motion long enough in California to grind sufficient soil for a glorious abundance of life ... In so wild and so beautiful a region [was spent my day], every sight and sound inspiring, leading one far out of himself, yet feeding and building up his individuality."
Muir was the consummate man in nature. Anyone who is indifferent to Muir's writing may simply be indifferent to wonderment itself. I have no doubt that if Muir were placed in a room with the great kings and generals and tycoons and empire builders of history, he would appear singularly as a man among men. Unimpressed with their pomp and bluster over rotting empire, he might soon command more attention than they, and many would be happily listening to Muir in spite of their self importance. Why? He would have the most interesting insights, offered poetically and in a most humble and charming way. ... (in fact Muir was sought out by the great politicians and philosophers of his day).
If you like mountains, if you like California, if you like trees and glacier-fed streams, you will like this book.

the world of muir
muir describes the sierras with detail and love. he is one of the few authors who is content just to be in and describe a landscape. and what a description!. he describes the evolution of glaciaral lakes to the hights of mount ritter and the migrations of deer and native peoples. a great book i recoment it to anyone who loves the outdoors. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated hiking guide to the Shawangunk Mountains in New York State's Hudson River Valley, with trail interpretation from a forest ranger's point of view. Includes interpretation of natural history, geology, forest ecology, botany, wildlife biology, and human history, as well as being a traditional trail guide to the best views and points of interest, with maps, keys to hikes, GPS points, difficulty ratings, directions to trailheads and parking. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Finally, a good book on hiking in the Gunks
I have never been satisfied with a hiking guide to the Gunks, but now I have finally found a book I can really use. As a rock climber, I go to the Gunks often, but when there is time to explore the area more, there are few guides that give me an idea about the cool places to go. I saw this book and tried the hike to Bonticou Crag. It was awesome! I got a lot more than just directions. This book actually told me what was going on in the rocks. I had no idea of the cool story of the Gunks' rocks. I would recommend this book to anyone hiking the area.

time to go hiking!
Ed Henry provides a vivid description for hiking the "gunks". His writing is clear and provides a great level of detail to help hikers organize their trips. I really enjoyed the layout of this book. I feel it is easy to read and is a useful planning tool. The size of the book is appropriate for bringing the book along while hiking.

I also enjoyed the geological and biological information provided in the book. The little footprints at the top of each page were a cleaver visual addition.

I look forward to more books being published by Mr. Henry to enhance my hiking experiences in the Northeast. ... Read more

Book Description

Mount Rainier is the largest and most dangerous volcano in the country, both an awesome natural monument and a formidable presence of peril. In The Measure of a Mountain, Barcott sets out to grasp the spirit of Rainier through a journey along its massive flanks. From forest to precipice, thinning air to fractured glaciers, he explores not only the physique of Rainier but the psychology and meaning of all mountains, and the deep connection that exists between humans and landscape.

Filled with adventure, poignant personal reflections, and fascinating mountain lore told by Indian chiefs, professional guides, priests, and scientists, this book is one man's stirring quest to reconcile with a dazzling creation of nature, at once alluring and sometimes deadly. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A great read.
Living in Seattle, I see Rainier everyday it shows itself and like Barcott, I still get a thrill everytime. This was such a well written, enjoyable book by an regular guy instead of the usual mountain book by some super climber. I certainly learned a lot about the mountain itself and it's history. I loved the ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks "hey, I could climb that mountain". It is a lot harder and dangerous than people think. I hope Barcott writes some more books, he's a great writer.

A fine book -- even better than his rough draft
I found Bruce Barcott's "Measure of a Mountain" very compelling, and not merely because I was searching for the spot where Bruce promised to include my name (it's on Page 53). Indeed, "Measure" is a fine read for any armchair mountaineer, and it's a steal at the current price. I'd buy two if I were you. Bruce is a dear old friend, and I regard him not only as the tallest writer I know (he's 6-foot-3 if he's an inch, I swear) but also as a valuable hiking companion -- because at his height he is more visible to search parties. Yet, Bruce's easy-reading book belies the vast research that went into it, as well as the large amounts of caffeine he consumed once his deadline approached. I know I speak for Bruce when I say that EVERYONE who enjoyed "Measure of a Mountain" (especially the more expensive hard-cover edition) ought to call Bruce at his home in Seattle and invite him out on a hike around Mount Rainier. He's got a new baby, so I'm told that he's usually awake between midnight and 3 a.m.

My Favorite Book Ever
I think if I were stranded on a deserted island, I would want a copy of this book as well as all those Dostoevsky's I've always promised myself I would read one day. Being an avid climber, this is probably my favorite book of all times, and the book I am always sure to purchase as a gift for others to enjoy. This is NOT a climbing guide or a book just for the climbing community (although we love it). This is a book for anyone who loves the Pacific Northwest, mountains, mountain weather, great stories of adventure and tragedy, geology, hight altitude bugs, plants, animals, and good humor. Each chapter unfolds an entire diverse topic. You'll find yourself going back and reading your favorite chapters.

You'll Be Looking for People to Read This Book To!
I bought this book a couple of years ago and have reread it twice already. The first time I read it I found myself hunting down my husband over and over saying "you've got to listen to this"... Parts of the book are laugh-out-loud funny. But in addition to the humor, the book is a well-written and imformative glimpse into all facets of Mt. Rainier. I've been in love with this mountain since I was a child, and I highly recommend this interesting book by a talented author.

Trying to Measure up to Ranier
If you are interested in the outdoors, American history, geology, glaciology, entomology or ecology, then this book is worth your time. Barcott has assembled a witty, introspective book on all things Rainier.

I had never heard of Barcott until a friend sent me this book in preparation for a trip to Rainier. By the time I finished the book, I was equally more drawn to and fearful of the mountain than before. And Barcott is in good company. Jon Krakauer, who had the same effect on Everest in the minds of many several years ago with Into Thin Air, has some impressive things to say about Barcott's work on the back cover.

At one point, while discussing the natural sciences as Rainier relates to them, Barcott mentions that "science isn't truth, it's merely our best stab at it." In describing this book, I'd characterize it not as an authoritative work on Rainier, but Barcott's personal best stab at it. This is a fun, non-scholarly book that offers insight into virtually every aspect of Rainier, including the history of how it got its name, the bugs that inhabit the mountain, the annual dance of glacial shift, the wild flowers that keep the mountains delicate ecology in balance and the people who are drawn to the mountain, each for their own reasons.

Rainier is an intriguing mountain, and Measure of a Mountain is equally intriguing. Barcott's no nonsense, balanced style makes you feel like you are talking to a friend about their own obsession with Rainier, and his descriptions of hikes around the perimeter of the mountain make you feel like you are suffering the bug bites and soaking in the sublime surroundings right there with him. Most of all, Measure of a Mountain is a vivid portrait of one man's attempt to find balance and to understand himself in light of his surroundings and Barcott's style set against the backdrop of Rainier delivers an account free of the indulgence and self-obsession that so typically taints writers.

This is a good book, and worth a few hours of your time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Yellowstone-to-Yukon corridor (Y2Y) encompasses nearly half a million square miles of the northern Rocky Mountains, housing 11 national parks and myriad wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, and forest reserves. But with resorts sprouting out of its valleys and housing developments creeping up the foothills, concerns have mounted over the welfare of the region's renowned wildlife and awe-inspiring landscape. The Y2Y Conservation Initiative, founded in the early 1990s, aims to uphold "this biogeographical region's unique beauty and natural diversity by finding ways for human activities to blossom without overwhelming nature and the overall quality of life."

The famed Craighead twins, wildlife biologists both, discovered in their years of studying Yellowstone's grizzlies that the bears typically wander up to a thousand square miles--meaning that even that huge park does not provide enough forage within its boundaries to ensure their survival in lean years.A Y2Y corridor of safe passage would offer animals like the grizzly ample room to roam, as well as clear migration routes to lessen the chance of extinction due to inbreeding. Already changes are taking place with such knowledge in mind, like the construction of animal bridges over major roadways. But the region's vastness also guarantees multiple private, public, and bureaucratic hoops to jump through in the conservation effort.

As a book, Yellowstone to Yukon is a thoughtful primer on the landscape and its wild denizens. Striking color pictures and maps accompany narrative text up to National Geographic's usual standards, guiding readers through 2,100 miles of the "most intact collections of wildlife in the world." --Jenny Burritt ... Read more

Reviews (2)

America the Beautiful
Rediscover what makes North America such a beautiful continent. The photographs are in typical National Geographic excellence, as is the writing. I had the pleasure of meeting Douglas Chadwick in person and having dinner with him one day. This is not just someone doing a writing assignment, but someone who is very passionate about nature and its beauty. A wonderful gift for anyone you know who hikes or even drives around the country. Explore the splendors that Mother Nature has created.

Visually Stunning (educational, too)
As you would expect from N.G., the photos in this volume are breathtaking. A bonus comes in the pithy text. The author outlines the features of the Yellowstone to Yukon greater ecosystem and touches on the many issues surrounding efforts to conserve this area as a wildlife corridor. A fascinating topic masterfully covered. ... Read more

Book Description

Mountain Meteorology: Fundamentals and Applications offers first an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of mountain meteorology, then goes on to discuss their application in natural resources management. It includes over two hundred, beautiful, full-color photographs, figures, and diagrams, as well as observable indicators of atmospheric processes--such as winds, temperature, and clouds--to facilitate the recognition of weather systems and events for a variety of readers. It is ideal for those who spend time in or near mountains and whose daily activities are affected by weather. As a comprehensive work filled with diverse examples and colorful illustrations, it is essential for professionals, scholars, and students of meteorology. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Excellent, Updated View of Meteorology
This book is really much more than simply a discussion of mountain weather. This book introduces the layperson and professional alike to the complex interaction between terrain and the atmosphere, both on the global and regional scale. In a clean well written manner, with lots of informative graphics, Whiteman goes beyond many of the simplistic coffeetable books, but never leaves understanding and clarity behind.

This book goes a long way to introduce the public to a New Meteorology - one in which airflow is understood not to behave like water, but a new realization that even a simple breeze around a hill can exhibit complex eddys, counterflows, and dynamic reactions to the surface.

This work demonstrates the value of a Meteorology that combines a new geophysical understanding with real world applications in firefighting, pest control, environmental preservation, land management, and I dare say, field geology.

Very Useful Reference
This book is well written. It is a useful reference for those who forecast for mountainous locations. The book is organized in small, discrete sections without lots of unneeded derivations. Lots of useful graphics and illustrations make this one of the most used books on my shelf. It is also quite useful for teaching others how weather is modified by terrain.

Review of Mountain Meteorology
I am a professional Certified Consulting Meteorologist and I found this book exceptionally well written and informative. It covers a number of subtopics of interest to people who live, work or play in mountainous regions and who are interested in better understanding the unique meteorological phenomena observed in these areas. It is non mathematical but very descriptive and well illustrated with diagrams and photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

The legendary Appalachian Trail, stretching from Georgia to Maine, attracts millions of hikers every year. The International AT, opened in 2000, has added 1,073 km from Maine to Quebec. This addition to Raincoast's popular Journeys series is the tale of writer and photographer Monique Dykstra's adventures while hiking the brand new International Appalachian Trail. She's a city girl who thought hiking was "simply a matter of throwing some clothes and a few granola bars into a pack and heading for the hills." Two months, 1,073 km, and countless blisters later, she wasn't so sure. This extremely funny narrative includes Dykstra's descriptions of the characters she meets along the trail as well as 50 of her fascinating photographs. ... Read more