World Atlas of Mountaineering, edited by Wilfrid Noyce and Ian McMorrin. The MacMillan Company, 1970, copyright 1969 by Thomas Nelson & Sons, Ltd., London. 224 pages, 262 half-tones, 25 color plates, 54 maps. Price $14.95.

The World Atlas of Mountaineering is one of the most ambitious and complex compilations of information that has ever been undertaken concerning mountains. Conceived and partially completed by the late Wilfrid Noyce, it appeared for a time that it might have to be abandoned following his death in 1962. Ian McMorrin, however, has managed to finish the work, with the help of a number of prominent contributors from throughout the world. It is quite surprising that the project was finished at all, and that it was completed to such high standards is certainly a remarkable achievement.

This volume provides an overview of world mountaineering, and is exceptional in its detail considering its scope. It gives instant reference to all the great ranges and many of the minor ones, but it is much more than a mere book of reference, for the general historical trend of mountaineering is clearly discernible, and much of the flavor of climbing in the various areas has been captured. The book is very well written and edited, especially when one considers the inherent difficulties of providing a uniform style for material obtained from many sources.

It seems unlikely that any one person could accurately evaluate the total scope of this volume. However, after cross checking a number of chapters with other climbers, it appears that the book is unusually accurate. The large number of photographs, both half-tone and color, are uniformly excellent, and have been carefully chosen to provide a feeling for the various ranges, as well as to illustrate the most prominent summits. The many maps, while perhaps somewhat primitive by cartographic standards, are well executed and quite adequate for the purpose.

You have to see this volume to appreciate it. It belongs in the library of every lover of the mountains, whether or not he is actively climbing. Buy it, even if you never expect to visit Ellsmere Island!

George R. Sainsbury