This outstanding reference work is the first A-Z, English language compilation on the world's mountains. It contains definitions, explanations, and clarifications in more than 2,300 entries, which vary in length from a brief sentence to detailed overviews of more complex subjects. It includes listings of many specific mountains, but more important, it is replete with geological terminology, birds and animals, flowers and trees, climbers and mountaineers, as well as associated tasks such as logging, mining, skiing, and climbing. The Mountain Encyclopedia is invaluable as a source of data and information, but it is also enjoyable to read straight through.
Frederic V. Hartemann is a physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is an excellent mountaineer who has climbed in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. His hundreds of summits include Mt Blanc and Mt Rainier. Robert Hauptman is a professor at St. Cloud State University where he teaches information media and honors program classes. He has hiked, climbed, and enjoyed mountains all over the world for more than 50 years. He has just six peaks to go to complete the 50 state highpoints.
What People are Saying About This
Pat Ament
Frederic Hartemann and Robert Hauptman have gathered facts and information from every corner of the mountaineering world, in a comprehensive, instructive, and entertaining reference and guide to the principles and workings of the mountains, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits. This is no mere catalogue, nor is it anything like other books, or even what it might seem to be at the surface. One has to handle, sample, and ponder to understand the true objective of the authors. The overview is unique, making a fresh penetration of ideas and concepts. At times there is a certain high elegance. Hartemann and Hauptman don't shy away from the complexity and depth of their subject.
Jamling Tenzing Norgay
The vastness of the mountain landscape, both literal and allegoric, is aptly presented in this wonderful book: from the science of volcanoes, to the music of the mountains; from the techniques of ice climbing, to the poetry of a moonrise over a high ridge; from the snow leopard, to satellite cartography; from haunting tragedies to sheer triumph; innumerable aspects of the high realm are presented in detail, along with beautiful color photographs and maps.
