London, 1859, 1st edition, 2nd printing. 514 pp, 8 color plates, 9 maps. This volume has been rebound in 3/4 Vellum (spine and corners) with marbled boards and endpapers. The spine is especially beautiful with brown leather title patches setting off in contrast to the white Vellum. The titles and decoration is in gold. Vellum often has a tendency to warp, and the covers on this are bending outward. This often corrects in a more humid climate than Colorado where this book has lived for the last 36 years. The corner Vellum is lifting on ope corner, but overall the cover had aged very well. Condition is a problem with Peaks Passes and Glaciers. Overall Near Fine.

One of the most famous and important books in the literature. Neate calls it ''the cornerstone of any mountaineering collection.'' ''One of the most famous titles of Mountaineering literature.''

A well-illustrated series of records and anecdotes of members of the Alpine Club which led to the 1863 commencement of the Alpine Journal. John Ball, President of the Alpine Club between 1858-60, first suggested to William Longman that they publish a volume of mountaineering experiences. Of the 18 chapters in this volume, 15 describe mostly first ascents in the Alps of Switzerland, France and Italy. The two outliers are Wales and Etna, and a Suggestions for Alpine Travelers by John Ball. Also articles of interest on the geology of Wales and the Alps.

''These publications [are] essential to any study of Victorian mountaineers...These early publications and the [Alpine] Journal provide a continuity of Mountaineering narrative from the very beginnings of the Alpine Club.'' (Cox). A second series of the Peaks, Passes and Glaciers appeared in 1862, and a third in 1932.