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Dawn L. Hollis

Mountains before Mountaineering: The Call of the Peaks before the Modern Age

Mountains before Mountaineering: The Call of the Peaks before the Modern Age

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Mountains have been spaces for adventure, curiosity, and fascination since ancient times, with early modern travellers, "real mountaineers," and scientists exploring and enjoying them. "Mountains Before Mountaineering" reveals this history and invites readers on a journey through the mountains' past.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: The History Press Ltd


Mountains have long been cherished as spaces for adventure, offering individuals a profound connection with nature and the opportunity to conquer challenges. From skiing in the Italian Alps to scaling the heights of the Matterhorn in Switzerland, mountains have captivated people for centuries. However, some argue that our modern fascination with mountains is relatively recent, claiming that before the advent of mountaineering, the average European viewed mountains with disdain and avoided them. "Mountains Before Mountaineering" challenges this notion, revealing the way mountains inspired curiosity and fascination in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe. It brings to life the early modern travellers who climbed peaks and passes with fear and delight, the "real mountaineers" who lived and died upon the mountain slopes, and the scientists who used mountains to try to understand the origins of the world. This book invites you on a journey through the mountains, long before Everest was "discovered" as the highest mountain in the world or before the first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc. It is the story of how our love of the mountains has been a part of us from the very beginning.

Mountains have always been a source of inspiration and wonder, drawing people from all walks of life to explore their beauty and challenge their limits. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Europe experienced a surge of interest in mountains, with early modern travellers and scientists alike venturing into the unknown. These explorers were driven by a desire to understand the world around them and to push the boundaries of what was possible.

One of the most significant figures in the history of mountain exploration was the Swiss-born naturalist and explorer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe was a prolific writer, poet, and scientist who traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. He was particularly fascinated by the Alps, which he described as "the most beautiful mountain range in the world." Goethe's travels in the Alps led him to develop a deep appreciation for the natural world and to develop a theory of nature that emphasized the interconnectedness of all living things.

Goethe's theory of nature was based on his observations of the natural world and his belief in the power of imagination. He believed that the natural world was a living, breathing organism that was constantly evolving and changing. He also believed that humans were a part of this natural world and that we had a responsibility to protect it.

Goethe's theory of nature had a profound impact on the development of mountaineering. He encouraged mountaineers to explore the mountains in a respectful and sustainable way, and he emphasized the importance of leaving no trace behind. He also wrote about the beauty of the mountains and the spiritual experiences that can be gained from climbing them.

In addition to Goethe, there were many other early modern explorers who contributed to the development of mountaineering. These explorers included the English mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, the Swiss mountaineer Arnold Aebi, and the French mountaineer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Hillary was the first person to climb Mount Everest, and Aebi was the first person to climb the Matterhorn. Rousseau was a philosopher who wrote about the importance of nature and the human spirit.

Mountaineering has since become a popular sport and recreational activity. Millions of people around the world participate in mountaineering each year, and there are many different types of mountaineering, including rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering expeditions. Mountaineering can be a dangerous activity, and it requires a high level of skill, training, and equipment. However, it can also be a rewarding experience, providing individuals with a sense of accomplishment and a deep connection with nature.

Despite the dangers of mountaineering, there are many benefits to the sport. Mountaineering can help to improve physical fitness, mental health, and environmental awareness. It can also help to preserve the natural environment and to promote sustainable tourism.

In recent years, mountaineering has faced several challenges. One of the most significant challenges is climate change. Climate change is causing the glaciers and snowpacks in the mountains to melt, which is leading to a decrease in the number of mountaineering opportunities. This is also leading to a decrease in the number of species that live in the mountains, which is a significant concern for conservationists.

To address these challenges, mountaineers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and to promote sustainable tourism. Mountaineers are also working to develop new technologies and techniques that will allow them to climb the mountains more safely and efficiently.

In conclusion, mountains have long been cherished as spaces for adventure, offering individuals a profound connection with nature and the opportunity to conquer challenges. From skiing in the Italian Alps to scaling the heights of the Matterhorn in Switzerland, mountains have captivated people for centuries. However, some argue that our modern fascination with mountains is relatively recent, claiming that before the advent of mountaineering, the average European viewed mountains with disdain and avoided them. "Mountains Before Mountaineering" challenges this notion, revealing the way mountains inspired curiosity and fascination in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe. It brings to life the early modern travellers who climbed peaks and passes with fear and delight, the "real mountaineers" who lived and died upon the mountain slopes, and the scientists who used mountains to try to understand the origins of the world. This book invites you on a journey through the mountains, long before Everest was "discovered" as the highest mountain in the world or before the first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc. It is the story of how our love of the mountains has been a part of us from the very beginning.


Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803993188

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