For more than thirty-five years and through five editions, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has been the "bible" of the climbing world. An essential teaching tool and resource for novice to advanced mountaineers, it is the standard text for climbing courses throughout the United States and abroad. Freedom is the best-selling mountaineering book of all time, with over 500,000 copies sold. Completely updated and revised, the 6th edition reflects the rapid changes in mountaineering that have accompanied its increased popularity, the development of new techniques, and the introduction of new and improved equipment. It redefines the basics with the latest information on climbing and outdoor fundamentals; rock, snow, ice, and alpine climbing; emergency prevention and response; and the mountain environment. Included in the 6th edition are expanded treatments of belaying, leading and protecting on rock, glacier travel and crevasse rescue, and wilderness travel.