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Mountaineering Textbook Recommendation

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 denis b 13 Jan 2005
Looking to buy a reference book to consult on all aspects of mountaineering. I know that there are plenty of specialist books on knots, weather, first aid etc., but I am looking for something which is pretty well definitive on most subjects on mountaineering within the same cover. Any recommendations on what book to buy, or not as the case may be?
 CENSORED 13 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: Handbook of climbing by Fyffe and Peter is IMHO the best of the coverall texts.
 CENSORED 13 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: There is also the Mountain Skills training handbook by Hill & Johnston, although this is aimed a little more at the aspiring instructor and a new book by libby peter, aimed at the aspiring SPA and MIA.
 Big Steve 13 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: Mountaineering - Freedom of the hills. A huge thick volume, full of everything from packing your rucsac to crevasse rescue, belay knots to mountain weather.
Iain Ridgway 13 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: I find the langmuir ML a good basic text book. and then get more specialised books afterwards.
OP denis b 14 Jan 2005
In reply to Iain Ridgway:

Many thanks folks. I have Langmuir's text and I agree that it is a good starting point but I have no idea if better texts exist for referencing more complex mountaineering issues.
Mike Bradford 14 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: Rockclimbing essential skills & techniques and hill walking the handbook for the mountain leader & walking group leader schemes are two excellent books published by MLT UK and have superseded Langmuirs book.
graeme_s 14 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b:
I also have a the Langmuir book but another heavier tome is Mountaineering the Freedom of the Hills published by the Mountaineers. It's american based (i.e. pictures of weather maps etc) but very good. Oh and get used to interchanging abseil for rappell!
see www.mountaineersbooks.org
In the states it's $26.95 but not sure if it's as cheap in the UK.
If this is as cheap as Langmuir, then I'd opt for this one.
Catc22h 14 Jan 2005
In reply to denis b: Out of my reasonably extensive selection of such books, I have to agree with two earlier respondants to this thread, namely that referring to 'Mountaineering-The Freedom of The Hills' and the 'Handbook of Climbing' by Fyffe and Peter (Innes?).
Both books cover all aspects of mountaineering, with Fyffe perhaps taking a more technical view at times-both excellent refs. and I would not be without either. Hope this helps.
Catc22h 14 Jan 2005
In reply to Catc22h: for your info, Waterstone retail both books at £30 for the 'Handbook' and £22 for 'Freedom of the Hills'
OP denis b 14 Jan 2005
In reply to Catc22h:


Cheers everyone. Have gone and ordered.
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