Collins Guide to Mountains and Mountaineering

by John Cleare Collins

“This is a magnificent volume, copiously illustrated and destined to be an inspiration to both the armchair and the expedition mountaineer. The only comparable work, The World Atlas of Mountaineering, (Nelson, 1969) is long out of print and in these fast-developing times now substantially out of date also. The coverage here is world wide and, while one might argue over the balance, there really is a wealth of information about all the worthwhile ranges. Definitely a 'best buy'.”
Edward Pyatt, „Alpine Journal” 1980, p. 250

“The only fault I find is the one identified by Cleare himself -that it doesn't cover every mountain range in the world. He explains his reasons for this, but also cocks a snook at us and tells us that he has "done his own thing" in his choice of mountains. (…)
For each massif there is a cryptic description, some photographs, a map and a fact list of relevant information. This is a fine reference book, and one shudders to think of the amount of work that must have gone into it.”
Geoff Birtles, „Crags” 1979, June/July, No. 19, p. 36

“Judging it in comparison to McMorrin's World Atlas of Mountaineering it is marginally inferior as that work contains more detailed information and maps. Nevertheless, this guide is up to date, ascents are listed up to 1978. The format is good; clear to read and easy to follow the progress from range to range. (…)
It is a work which deserves to take its place on the bookshelf of any mountaineer. The author's personal choice of colour plates in particular gives the book a unique blend of information and beauty which makes it an inspirational volume. I'm sure that many people will base their future expedition plans on impressions gained from this volume and it gives them just sufficient clues as to where to get the full facts, so as not to destroy the essential learning process involved in visiting other ranges.”
“Mountain” 1979, May/June, No. 67, p. 46