Why do so many feel compelled to risk their lives climbing mountains? During the climbing season, one person per day dies in the Alps, and more people die climbing in this season in Scotland than they do on the roads. "Mountains of the Mind" pursues a fascinating investigation into our emotional and imaginative responses to mountains, and how these have changed over the last few centuries. It is rich with historical and literary references, and punctuated by descriptions of the author's own climbing experiences. There are chapters on glaciers, geology, the prusuit of fear, the desire to explore the unknown, and the desire to get to the summit. The book ends with a gripping account of Mallory's attempt on Everest.

Winner of the 2003 Guardian First Book Award, this is a magnificent and beautifully written book. A book about mountains and mountaineering, but also about history, geology, literature and and philosophy. An incredibly well researched book, by an extremely intelligent and, having met him, very modest writer. Well worth a read.