Containing over 1,000 alphabetical entries exploring every aspect of North American and international rock climbing and mountaineering, Climbing: The Complete Reference introduces readers to the people, techniques, equipment, terminology, mountain ranges and peaks that have shaped this exciting and rewarding sport. Entries profile the massive peaks and ranges, including the Andes and the Adirondacks, Mount Everest, the Matterhorn, K2, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc; many of the cliffs where rock climbing has been developed; the individuals prominent in the sport, among them Sir Edmund Hillary, Catherine Destivelle and Reinhold Messner; the types of climbing, including bouldering, ice climbing, free climbing, sport climbing, aid climbing and solo climbing; and the equipment that is unique to the sport, including birdbeaks, bolt ladders, pitons, skyhooks and z-pulleys. Detailed definitions of climbing terms, such as anchor, belay, balling up, dinner-plating, objective danger and self-arrest, round out this exceptional reference. Compiled by an expert in the field and complemented by over 60 illustrations and photographs, Climbing: The Complete Reference is the ideal tool for both the amateur climber and general reader who want to familiarize themselves with the sport and its history, as well as for expert climbers looking for a detailed resource filled with facts and information.