A Progress in Mountaineering, by J. H. B. Bell. xii+424 pages, with a foreword by F. S. Smythe, 34 photographic illustrations, drawings by Joan Tebbutt, and maps and diagrams by Mrs. Bell. Edinburgh and London: Oliver and Boyd, 1950.

Readers of the late Frank Smythe’s Climbs and Ski Runs will doubtless remember the bivouac on the Aiguille du Plan and “my friend, Mr. J. H. B. Bell, of Auchtermuchty, Fife.” This well-known Scottish mountaineer has now written a book that deals both with mountain craft and with his own ascents. His purpose is to encourage young climbers to start building up, on the nearest British hills, experience that will enable them later “to go exploring and climbing on the greater mountains of the world with a fair measure of confidence and safety, and without the assistance of professional guides.” The book is divided into five sections: the first is introductory; the second and third are about “British Mountain Technique” and “Scottish Mountain Expeditions”; the fourth and fifth, about technique and expeditions in the Alps.

D.A.R., Jr.