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This new guide describes a selection of 34 routes on 20 mountains in the Mont Blanc range by an established partnership of Chamonix guide and nature / mountain photographer. The selected routes are among the more popular of the technically lower grades of snow, ice and ‘mixed’ climbs, F to AD with three Ds. The authors make a case for a new guide because of the changes to mountain topography accompanying glacier retreat and rock-fall. The guide is very attractively presented with, for each mountain, an introduction and general description and for each route the technical grade, start, approach, heights, times, ascent and descent route descriptions. All are illustrated with excellent photographs, (the equal of many larger ‘coffee table’ books), and very clear line drawings. The introductory paragraphs are longer than in many guides and include scenery/environment appreciation and general topics such as advice on checking out the line for an early morning start the previous evening. Some route descriptions appear brief (2 variants, not included in the count above, very brief) but I think sufficient. The book, measuring 22.5 x 14 cm and thus slightly wider than an OS map, may be pocket-able. However, without a waterproof cover, some may not wish to subject such high quality photographs to the rigours of a climb. The selection, although omitting routes predominantly on rock, will appeal to many British Alpinists. Available from bookshops, outdoor retailers or direct from Cordee.
By Robert West
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