Get inspired to climb
These are books that capture the reality of big mountains: decision-making under pressure, the beauty of wild places, and (sometimes) the harsh consequences of getting it wrong.Each title below links to a full review and a “who this is best for” breakdown.
Filter By
Recommended mountaineering books
Related climbs and preparation
Keep planning with the rest of the preparation hub.
FAQs
Are these books suitable if I’m a complete beginner?
Yes. Most of these are narratives (not technical manuals), so they work even if you’ve never worn crampons. If you’re brand new, start with Touching the Void for a compelling story, then read Into Thin Air for a window into decision-making on big peaks.
Which book should I read first?
If you want pure page-turner survival: Touching the Void. If you want Everest context and risk: Into Thin Air. If you want reflective expedition writing: Shining Mountain. If you want blunt opinions on style and suffering at altitude: Everest – The Cruel Way..
Are these “how-to” training or climbing guidebooks?
No—this page is about inspiration and perspective. These books help you understand what mountains demand: pacing, judgement, teamwork, and how quickly things change. For training plans and gear checklists, use the Preparing to Climb section of Summit Scanner.
Why do some stories disagree about what happened?
High-altitude events are chaotic, memory is imperfect, and different teams experience the same day from different positions on the mountain. Where accounts conflict, I’ll call it out in the review and link to other credible sources.
Do you use affiliate links? Does it change the recommendations?
Some book pages include Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, Summit Scanner may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn’t affect which books I recommend—this list is curated for quality and relevance, not payout.