Craig has nailed it! I have lived around southern NH my entire life, and never have I read a book so enjoyable, so comprehensive--almost encyclopedic, but easy to read and enjoy--as this book. I bought extra copies for my family. It documents the refreshment stand atop the Half Way House, the Toll Road, the hidden shelters and forts, and has many exquisitely written tales (including the one about the man that died on the mountain). Mention about trails and access points (but this is not a chart book for hikers, thankfully), and stories about the organizations that preserve the mountain.
I particularly liked the chapters about the poets, authors and painters that were inspired by the mountain.
The price is on the high side, but understandable with the glossy ages and numerous photos. I do hope an economical e-text of this book will be published. The binding and quality is good. The photos are black and white.
I hope the author continues to update this nonfiction work (particularly easy if e-version), as the news and stories about the mountain are created yearly. For instance, I'd adore reading about "Bill", known as the man of Mt Monadnock, who has been profiled by local and city papers (Boston Globe), who is apparently a machinist from Jaffrey and has reputedly climbed the mountain some 6000 times (he's on a youtube video--amazing).
Lovely reading, highly recommended.