Mountains of the Mind: A History of a Fascination (Landscapes)

MacFarlane's first book is a winner. I have recommended it to friends and relatives. Part history of mountaineering, we learn of the cultural biases towards the mountains themselves. His personal experience in the mountains and adventures reveal his expertise, which are matched by his literary powers and philosophical reflections. His interest in the details of natural phenomenon compliments those attributes. Reading Mountains of the Mind motivated me to read his second book, The Wild Places (of Britain and Ireland), and I am not disappointed. I expect to continue reading each of his subsequent books, enjoying his evolution as a writer of great interest.

I liked the book for all the reasons the first reviewer did not. "Unfortunately, MacFarlane doesn't make major points or build an argument around these themes, leaving unanswered the great question of mountaineering (and of this book): why?" This is plain nonsense. Again and again the author tells us - or hints strongly - that what draws people to the mountains is the unknown and the extra-ordinary and the sublime. People are drawn to mountains who long to get away from the 'why and wherefore' of everyday banality. This is a yearning that has never tugged on this reviewer, clearly. Mountain adventure books, are, for the most part, adrenaline hits (after which you throw away the needle). This book is unique as far as I am concerned, and its pleasures can be drawn out deeply and pondered on at leisure in repeated readings. Yes, it is an uneven experience, and, as such, is consistent with the subject matter of the book. There is serendipity and pot-boiling and fascinating discovery, meandering and an occasional breathtaking views. You get a rich cross-section of MacFarlane's writing styles, from historical to biographical, but the mixed diet and pace I found a reason for satisfaction from an author obviously hopelessly in love with (as well as fascinated and horrified by) mountains and mountain culture. An author as articulate and entertaining you don't find every day. Having dragged myself up peaks for most of my four decades on this planet, I often found myself smiling at how RM richly articulated the mystique and cultural imperative of mountain-going which I was somehow unconscious of until now. A lovely book for luxuriating in the lore and the lure of mountains.

I found this book, and others by Macfarlane, to be extraordinary. If you appreciate writing at all, this alone makes the book a worthwhile read. The writing is as precise as a mountain climber’s grip and foot placement. And the way Macfarlane tells the story about the evolution of mountaineering, the way the mountains have played on the imagination of men and women, is, like mountain ranges themselves, captivating.

From the opening recollection to the last sentence, Macfarlane's history of how mountains have been imagined left me aching to read more. The final words took me by surprise; I fully expected to turn the page for at least a few more spellbinding paragraphs. While the author's own experiences with altitude, ice, and snow are interspersed throughout, this is not at all a flimsy excuse to offer up a personal memoir or a coming-of-age story. Rather, his own stories effectively illustrate his larger points. The final problem of the plot, Mallory's fatal ascent toward the summit of Everest, lingers throughout as the essential riddle, and yet Macfarlane skillfully avoids letting that tragedy overwhelm the rest of the book. Every historical nuance, every detail of landscape, every observation of human endeavor is crafted through the comprehension of one who is sensitive to his own place in the historical development he chronicles. It is difficult not to recall Barry Lopez's Arctic Dreams as far as the depth of understanding and the quality of the writing.

Just read this wonderful piece of writing. It will reawaken in you just why mountains captivate the human soul. A wonderful reflection for all those who have wandered into the mountains.

mountains of the mind tries to answer that old famous question asked to every explorer or mountaineer , why go there? from mallorys off hand remark to the psychology of risk taking this book will attempt to answer why. also would have to say this book has more highlighted parts in it after reading it than any book i have previously read. in other words its chock full of inspiration and great quotes that you will find enlightening

Robert McFarlane wrote the script for "Mountain," the documentary narrated by Willem Dafoe and orchestrated the ACO. I can't tell you how wonderful the bonus materials are, which include the director's endorsement of this book, and an interview with McFarlane. I've loved mountains all my life, and he speaks to the same experiences of awe, respect, wonder, humility that accompany the love of rock and snow. It's gratifying to recognize the script in the book itself, where he took his own words for the film. I have to say that the film script is a condensed version of this narrative, so don't expect to be reading the script for "Mountain." You'll be disappointed. But, read it as a love story that may mirror your own.

MacFarlane has a lovely style of prose and uses it to shine light on the mystery of mountains and the love affair that climbers share with them. He uses his personal experiences in conjunction with historical figures such as George and Ruth Mallory, Mark Twain. Why are we drawn to mountains? Why are we infatuated with dangerous peaks? Why risk everything to summit? Read his book.

A sensitive and rather poetic book about the evolution of man's view on mountains. Far from being the history of climbing, or of man's success over height, the book narrates, in a brilliant and inspired style, the tremendous changes of man's feelings about mountains: from perilous, hopeless and sterile places towards exhilarating, romantic and challenging surroundings. Those readers that would look for dramatic stories of bravery and self commitment might be disappointed. The reader is instead taken for a pleasant journey throughout literature, geology, poetry, philosophy... Nonetheless, in the end the question remains unanswered: why becoming fascinated by these empty desolated summits?

Well, having finally got round to reading Mountains of the Mind, I wasn't left disappointed and never have been by any of Robert Macfarlane's works. This one is written in typical Macfarlane style. The sub title of the book is 'A History of a Fascination' and that is very much what it is, a history of humankind's fascination with mountainous areas. It is of course much more than a history, containing many interesting facts about individuals and their idiosyncratic behaviors adventures and discoveries, geological interest and information about the author's own treks into the mountains. The prose is wonderful and especially so when describing wilderness and mountainous areas. The chapter concerning George Mallory's failed attempts on Everest is especially good and brings the book to a fascinating climax. The reader can decide if Mallory was a selfish adventurer or as legend has it, a heroic explorer. Although I have always enjoyed fell walking I am no mountaineer, and I tend to frown upon some of the risk takers, but I did find that this book helped me understand better why so many are tempted to the heights. Great read, and I look forward to receiving Robert Macfarlane's next book, out soon.

An awesome literary tribute to the Earth and to the history of mankind's fascination with mountains. A very inspiring read.

The author takes you there and back again, clearly and safely.

¡Una belleza de libro! No volverás a ver las montañas de la misma manera. Las piedras tampoco. ¡Me encantó este libro !