2013 sees the 150th anniversary of the Alpine Journal, the oldest mountaineering journal in the world. It was created as a record of mountain exploration and has held to that tradition down the years. This 117th volume showcases first ascents from Alaska to Antarctica, from the Alps and Africa to the great ranges of Asia. Alpine Club president Mick Fowler describes his first ascent of the dramatic Prow of Shiva in the Indian Himalaya while Rick Allen recounts how he and Sandy Allan scooped one of mountaineering's most coveted prizes with the first full traverse of Nanga Parbat's awesome Mazeno Ridge. The AJ's brief roams wide. Mountain landscapes sacred to Tibetans are decoded by the anthropologist Hildegard Diemberger, and Professor Mike Searle explains the geological processes that give the Himalaya their physical majesty. This AJ also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest; buoyed by his 11th ascent to the top of the world, guide Kenton Cool reflects on the mountain's continuing allure. New paintings by the artist-climber Julian Cooper, especially commissioned to mark the AJ's 150th birthday, book reviews and a comprehensive Area Notes section detailing significant climbs around the world complete this unrivalled panorama of the mountain world.