Throughout history, mountains have inspired humans to write great literature, pay religious tribute, develop great feats of engineering, and compete in mad rushes for gold. Spectacular photography highlights this up-close look at the world's major mountain ranges. Each title focuses on one range, describing its topography, climate, plant and animal life, unique geographical features, human cultures, and problems facing the region. Full-color maps and engaging text combine to illustrate how mountains often intertwine with major rivers, are sources of mineral deposits for mining and trees for lumber, form natural barriers to the movemnent of people and goods, and have influenced some of the greatest cultures in our history. Each book also includes a timeline, a table comparing key facts about the world's major mountains, sidebars, and primary source quotations.