Choice Review

Though this book has a minimalist title, it portrays mountains as complex subjects by presenting a great variety of interesting details about mountainous terrains. The author discusses how cultural perceptions of mountains contributed to society's interpretations of nature, measurement, religion, security, transportation, and warfare. The book begins with the religious symbolism evoked by mountains, with a focus on Christian perspectives. Viewpoints of other major religions and select Indigenous cultures are discussed. Mountains also contributed to how people perceived human longevity and the environmental limitations of human comfort and survival. Mountain's extreme atmospheric conditions challenged people's survival at high altitudes, when they attempted to seek the safe haven that mountains afforded. Mountains were even the impetus for refining geological and astronomic observations. This book culminates with compelling stories about the role of mountains in the art and heritage of various cultures. The author's viewpoints are substantiated with sufficient references from authorities on anthropology, natural history, sociology, and theology. Each chapter is accompanied by footnotes and pertinent images. This delightful tribute to mountains judiciously blends an aesthetic appreciation of mountains with an objective understanding of their geographic features. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Brian R. Shmaefsky, Lone Star College - Kingwood