When they say that this book is the bible of mountaineering, they sure aren't kidding. This book is filled above the brim with all kinds of information concerning numerous aspects of the sport. The detail is awesome, the illustrations are superb, and the whole thing is seriously well put together. I think the best things about this book is the breadth of the topics it covers.
When I bought the book, I thought I was going to learn about mountaineering in great detail, and perhaps a little about camping and rock climbing. In reality, this book tells you about pretty much everything. It teaches navigation, ice climbing, how to dress, wilderness medicine, and avalanche safety, to name a few. Granted that no one book can tell you all there is to know about every aspect of climbing, this one provides a solid base-knowledge and the foundations for taking the next steps. I am a pretty experienced hiker, and I was still surprised by all the new info that I got from reading this book. The book is over 700 pages long, and the writers make excellent use of every one of them. Reading this book will give you great advice on what gear to buy, how to stay safe out there, and, as cliche as it may sound, could realistically save your life.
My advice is to read this book like a textbook. Mark up the pages, add notes, write down your own ideas, and read it multiple times. And of course, go with experienced people before you tackle dangerous climbs.
No one I know has ever gone mountaineering, There are only two things that are helping me reach my goal of being able to climb mountains year round: my own motivation and Freedom of the Hills. I'm a first generation climber just trying to figure things out, and I'm beyond grateful for others who have gone to the time and effort to put something like this together. Skip the frustration of turning to disreputable sources. Videos and forums on the internet won't get you anywhere. Invest in this book if you're serious about getting on top of the world's high places. I'm stoked to see where it can take me. Hopefully, reading this book will be my first step a lifetime of adventure. Also, if anyone needs a mountaineering partner in Utah or Salt Lake County, hit me up haha