Climbing & Mountaineering

Scale new heights with our curated climbing and mountaineering books. From gripping accounts of Himalayan expeditions and Alpine first ascents to practical technique guides and bouldering inspiration, find the stories and skills that fuel a life in the vertical world.

573 books

Best Books about Everest

Mount Everest has captivated the imagination of climbers, adventurers and readers for over a century. The world's highest mountain has been the setting for extraordinary human achi...

See all 8 books

Classic Climbing Memoirs

Classic climbing memoirs represent some of the most gripping literature in outdoor writing — tales of triumph and tragedy, perseverance and loss, set against the world's most spect...

See all 11 books

Mountaineering for Beginners: Where to Start Reading

If you're drawn to the mountains but don't know where to begin with mountaineering literature, you've arrived at the right place. The world of mountain books can feel overwhelming—...

See all 12 books

Over the Brink and Back

Peter Rowlands

Paperback

Rock Climbing Minnesota

Katie Berg, Angie Jacobsen

Paperback

How to Rock Climb

John Long, Bob Gaines

Paperback

About Climbing & Mountaineering

Whether you're drawn to the drama of high-altitude expeditions, the technical precision of rock climbing, or the quiet determination required to summit distant peaks, our climbing and mountaineering collection offers something for every vertical enthusiast. These pages contain everything from harrowing accounts of Everest disasters and inspiring tales of climbers who overcame extraordinary odds, to practical guides that help you navigate the maze of climbing advice and improve your technique on the rock.

Our selection spans the full spectrum of mountain literature—from classic Alpine adventures across the Eiger and Matterhorn to modern bouldering inspiration, from 14ers in Colorado to the highest 4000-metre peaks of the Alps. You'll find memoirs from legendary climbers, personal journeys of self-discovery through mountaineering, and accessible guides for those just beginning their climbing journey. These books capture both the physical challenge and the deeper philosophy of why we climb, offering wisdom whether you're planning your first outdoor route or dreaming of the seven summits.

Perfect for climbers of all abilities, armchair adventurers fascinated by mountain history, and anyone seeking to understand what drives people to pursue a life in the vertical world. These carefully curated titles will inspire your next climb, teach you invaluable lessons, and transport you to some of the most spectacular and dangerous places on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our collection includes several compelling Everest narratives, including A Day to Die for, which examines the 1996 disaster from a survivor's perspective. These first-hand accounts offer invaluable insights into high-altitude mountaineering's greatest challenges and the human stories behind headline expeditions.

Absolutely. We feature books for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced alpinists. Titles like 9 Out of 10 Climbers Make the Same Mistakes specifically help self-coached climbers improve their technique, while inspirational memoirs and mountain literature appeal to anyone fascinated by climbing culture.

Yes, our collection includes excellent Alpine resources such as 4000m: Climbing the Highest Mountains of the Alps, A Long Walk in the Alps covering the Eiger to the Matterhorn, and classic guides to the Pyrenees. These books celebrate Europe's rich mountaineering heritage and iconic peaks.

Our selection spans all climbing disciplines—from traditional rock climbing and bouldering to Alpine mountaineering, Himalayan expeditions, and technical skills development. You'll find everything from practical technique guides to gripping adventure narratives and inspirational climbing memoirs.

Yes, we feature several inspiring stories of perseverance, including 7x7 - Seven Peaks Seven Islands about British mountaineer Nigel Vardy who continues climbing despite losing his toes and fingertips. These accounts demonstrate the resilience and determination that define the climbing community.