At the Top of the World: The Extraordinary Stories of Earth’s Mountains

The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.

This gorgeous compendium explores eight of the world’s greatest mountains across all its continents: Everest, Matterhorn, Chimborazo, Fuji, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Puncak Jaya and Vinson Massif. Discover the fascinating stories of the mountains’ formation, their unique ecosystems, the mythologies of their local populations and the legendary tales of their conquest. Each chapter includes a breakdown of the best route to the summit and the dangers one might face on the way.

Concise, accessible texts by Robin Jacobs (Earth-Shattering Events, Cicada 2019) provide further information about mountain terminology, knot tying and climbing gear, making this a must-have for any budding explorer or climbing enthusiast. Dynamic, vintage-inflected illustrations by Ed J Brown (Epic Animal Journeys, Cicada 2022), bring the book to life, capturing a spirit of adventure and taking young readers on an awe-inspiring expedition to the top of the world.

Ed J Brown is British illustrator and writer living in Leipzig, Germany. His striking, humour-packed illustrations have featured in Reader’s Digest, Anorak Magazine, and Aquila Magazine. He is the author of Epic Animal Journeys (Cicada, 2022).