"The most authoritative one volume reference source on the historical and geographical background to the entire Himalayan range, with a remarkably concise and comprehensive history of Himalayan Exploration". Still an important resource, with information on the mountains & their approaches, a general description of the Himalaya, and the weather. Chapters on the history of the exploration of the mountains; early travellers and adventurerers; route surveys; trianglulation and surveys; Pundit explorers; opening phase, Punjab, Kumaun, Nepal, Sikkim, Assam, Karakoram Himalaya; re-survey of Kashmir. retrospect & prospect 1919, Everest 1921, 1922, 1924; founding of the Himalayan Club; Kangchenjunga 1929, 1930, 1931; Kamet and Nanda Devi; Everest 1933-1938; Nanga Parbat 1932, 1934, 1937, 1938, 1939; Karakoram exploration; Gasherbrum, Saltoro, Masherbrum and Rakaposhi; K2; ascent of Everest; with appendices on Himalayan and Karakoram Peaks over 25,000 feet; on the determination of Himalayan heights.