The Mountain Encyclopedia: An A to Z Compendium of Over 2,250 Terms, Concepts, Ideas, and People (Paperback)

~ Frederic Hartemann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Though it is described in the preface as "an overview of all things connected to mountains," this volume does not have the lengthy definitions of mountain environments, animals, geology, or peoples that one might expect to find in an encyclopedia. Rather, the emphasis seems to be on mountaineering. Definitions are brief and often leave many aspects of the term defined in question. The entry for Marmot explains that climbers must hang their food away from the ground because of this mammal, but other than stating it is about the size of a woodchuck, it gives^B no clear idea of what a marmot is. The longest entry in the book is under the term Clothing. There are short biographical entries on hundreds of mountaineering personalities; these can be difficult to locate elsewhere. There are also entries for several-hundred mountain peaks, containing information not previously found in one source.

All countries and territories of the world (omitting East Timor), U.S. states, and Canadian provinces have individual entries providing their highest and lowest points and occasionally a brief commentary. In addition to some black-and-white illustrations found throughout the text, more than 400 color photos and maps of mountains are collected in the middle of the volume, sorted by country or region. The appendixes include lists of the world's 1,000 highest peaks, the world's highest volcanoes, and unclimbed peaks above 7,000 meters. Also included are a long list of climbing-related Web sites and a bibliography of books and articles that the authors consulted in their writing.

The volume is functional as a compendium of mountaineering information but not as a comprehensive encyclopedia of mountains. It could certainly be useful in a public library setting as long as its limitations are considered. Steve Stratton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Both a reference and a guide book for mountain and outdoor enthusiasts. Filled with fun facts, geology,geography and historical details.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (August 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589791614
• ISBN-13: 978-1589791619
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,365,252 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 400 color photos throughout of mountains, volcanoes, rocks, and climbers, November 8, 2005

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Whether it's details on mountaineering or the mountain environment, its peoples, culture, or nature you seek, The Mountain Encyclopedia represents the first A-Z compendium on all topics - not just nature. Add 400 color photos throughout of mountains, volcanoes, rocks, and climbers and you have an excellent survey for a wide audience, whether it be a student seeking facts and figures about the world's mountains, a naturalist seeking geology facts, or a climber.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just about all you'd ever want to know about mountains, February 15, 2006

By	S.F. DVD watcher (CA USA) - See all my reviews

If you love mountains and mountaineering I guarantee you'll like this book. It has a great wealth of information. Everything from mountaineering terms and people, statistics about 100's of mountains and ranges in all 7 continents, and hundreds of wonderful color photos. It even has information about books and movies made about mountains. I love this book!

4.0 out of 5 stars A Friend of The Mountain, July 30, 2006

By	CSH - See all my reviews

This is a book for those who love to travel acrossing the mountains. Not only very helpful for it seem like a text-compas: show us to the direct path.