Where most other climbing books on the market specialize in one or two particular regions, this fully updated edition of "Top Climbs of the World" covers the full spectrum of climbing categories, taking readers to the 'peaks' via photographs and history. Readers are allowed to 'follow' first ascents, and are given a feel for a specific climbing discipline - from rock climbing to Alpine ascents and high-altitude climbs - thus enabling them to appreciate the difficulties the first ascendors faced. Related climbs and routes in the area and subsequent ascents of the original route are also discussed, to highlight advances in technique and equipment over the years