The Friendship of a Mountain: A Brief Treatise on Elevation

We are fascinated by mountains because they contrast with corrupt cities and are viewed as serene enclaves of beauty and relaxation. Climbing to the summit challenges time, aging, fear, and danger, and elevates our faith in overcoming them. Pascal Bruckner's book explores the majesty of mountains and weaves together things seen and read, childhood memories, literature, and philosophy, with reflections on life, aging, and the beauty of an ecosystem that we are in danger of destroying.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Why are we so captivated by mountains? These towering rock formations, once considered ugly and undesirable, have undergone a remarkable transformation since the time of Rousseau. They have been juxtaposed against our corrupt cities, portraying them as serene havens of beauty and relaxation.

But why embark on the arduous journey to the summit only to return to the base? Why does the struggle of climbing transform into sheer joy? What metaphysical essence is at play here—what challenge does climbing pose to the passage of time, the aging process, fear, and the exhilaration of danger? It is not faith that elevates mountains; rather, it is the mountains that challenge us to overcome them. These majestic giants can either crush or exalt those who encounter them. For the latter, climbing represents a rebirth, a state of exhilaration. The exhaustion that overtakes you upon reaching the summit is akin to beholding paradise. Is it the biting cold, the fierce wind that nearly knocks you down, or is it a higher power that communicates with us in this harmonious blend of terror and beauty?

Born and raised in the majestic mountains of Austria and Switzerland, Pascal Bruckner has a deep connection to the subject matter of this book. As he ascends higher, he reconnects with his past. In his captivating and evocative prose, Bruckner pays homage to the grandeur of mountains, seamlessly blending his personal experiences, childhood memories, literature, philosophy, and reflections on life, aging, and the unparalleled beauty of our natural ecosystem.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 146 x 224 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509555536