Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills - Book Review,
by Hillel M. Danziger

Amazon.com This updated edition of the mountaineering classic is an essential reference for novices and experts alike. Chapters are devoted to in-depth discussions of outdoors fundamentals; climbing techniques for rock, snow, and ice; safety procedures and emergency response; geology and weather; and appendices for climb ratings and supplementary reading, among other topics. Detailed sections on navigation, ropes, knots, and protection include drawings, diagrams, and maps. Enjoy the freedom of the hills to the fullest with this thorough guide.
From Publishers Weekly This hefty tome, first published in 1960, was the book that started The Mountaineers Books. Known as "the climber's bible," it covers virtually all aspects of climbing, from choosing equipment and tying knots to basic rappelling techniques and expedition planning. There are sections on rock climbing, alpine climbing, emergency prevention and response and snow cycles, along with appendices on wind chill temperatures and suggestions for further reading. This seventh edition, written by a team of more than 40 expert climbers, reflects changes in equipment and technique, with new chapters on waterfall ice climbing and mixed climbing, physical conditioning, and land stewardship issues. It's also enhanced with 415 new illustrations depicting the "chimney technique" and the "twin-rope technique," among other maneuvers, and a new "ten essentials" list. Although the prose is workmanlike at best ("understanding fall factor and how it determines impact forces is fundamental to safe leading"), this work remains a must-have for climbing enthusiasts. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal This fifth edition of the all-time best mountaineering "textbook" is certainly no disappointment. (The last edition was published in 1982.) Some 550 pages and approximately 400 illustrations help make it the most comprehensive book in its class. The writing is clear and the book is organized logically. Chapters deal with clothing, route-finding and navigation, camping, climbing fundamentals (ropes, knots, belaying, rappelling), rock climbing techniques, and snow and ice climbing. There are also appendixes on avalanche, lightning, and rock climb rating systems. This edition includes the latest updates on equipment improvements and a new chapter on expedition climbing. This single book adequately covers a wide range of mountaineering skills, and libraries could easily spend five times as much to get the same coverage. Highly recommended for all libraries.- Thomas K. Fry, UCLA Libs.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Book News, Inc. An essential teaching tool and resource for novice to advanced mountaineers and the standard text for climbing courses in the US and abroad. Completely revised and updated (4th ed., 1982), the 5th edition adds new sections on rock climbing, a new chapter on winter and expedition climbing, and 350 new illustrations. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
Albuquerque Journal It's an erudite tome that's referenced by many climbers, in all reverence and seriousness, as the 'bible'.
Los Angeles Daily News [T]he book to read if you plan to venture out to the high places people go because they're there.
Health and Fitness Sports Magazine The fully updated seventh edition maintains the same high standard for complete, authoritative instruction in an easy-to-use format.
Hooked on the Outdoors The bible for anyone who spends any time in the mountains. I recommend reading it cover to cover.
Book Description REACH A NEW LEVEL OF FREEDOM... Since publication of the first edition in 1961, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has endured as the classic mountaineering text. Novice climbers use it as a primer; veterans use it to review their skills. Translated into five languages, it has instructed and inspired more than half a million climbers from all over the world. The fully updated seventh edition maintains the same high standard for complete, authoritative instruction in an easy-to-use format. New to this edition: * 415 completely new illustrations * Chapters on waterfall ice climbing and mixed climbing, physical conditioning, access issues, techniques for minimum impact on the land, and more * A new glossary of climbing terms ADVANCE YOUR GAME--UPGRADE TO VERSION 7.0
From the Publisher Since publication of the first edition in 1961, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has endured as the classic mountaineering text. Novice climbers use it as a primer; veterans use it to review their skills. Translated into five languages, it has instructed and inspired more than half a million climbers from all over the world. The fully updated seventh edition maintains the same high standard for complete, authoritative instruction in an easy-to-use format.
About the Author THE MOUNTAINEERS CLUB, based in Seattle, Washington, was founded in 1906. It is now the third largest outdoor recreation club of its kind in the United States, with nearly 15,000 members. The Mountaineers sponsors both classes and year-round outdoor activities, which include hiking, climbing, ski touring, snowshoeing, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
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