Customer Reviews

Sacred Mountains of the World

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a long time mountaineer, I am well versed in the mountaineering literature. My book collection has many treasures, but none as valued as Bernbaum's "Sacred Mountains of the World". This is a book I use to remind me that the lure of the mountains has a spiritual aspect that transcends the lure of conquest. Some mountains are special and Bernbaum, a Buddhist scholar in addition to his work in Asian Studies, tells their stories with great skill. Drawing upon the literature and myths of the past, Bernbaum reminds the modern reader why we should look upon mountains as "embodiments of humanity's highest ideals and aspirations". The book is entertaining as well as thought provoking--the photos are superb. The book is so good, it makes me want to share it with others. I have given it as a gift many times. I enthusiastically give it five stars.

This is one of few essential books in my library. It's the encyclopedia of sacred mountains, but also clearly a work of love. Sacred mountains have come to guide my own life in a very profound way, and this book has given wise counsel to such a journey. It is also supremely beautiful with some sublime fullpage photos - worth buying an extra coffee table for!

All Bernbaum has done is to read other people's books and string together their ideas. There's very little that's new here.

It's all been done before