Always the Mountains

Rothenberg's mountain excursions are absolutely the best since Thoreau's Katahdin and Muir's The Mountains of California. His prose is effortless, yet anchored in granitic truth. Truly an inspiring alternative to the 'peak bagging,' heroic mountain climber tales that dominate the market. Every climber should read this book.

* author of The Idea of Wilderness *

Whatever David Rothenberg touches becomes a surprise exploration, an unexpected point of engagement where he invites us to a deeper way of thinking about our place on the planet. He is a musician, a philosopher, a writer, and above all, an alchemist.

Years ago, I decided that I would never get to the center of things unless I went to the edge. David Rothenberg has changed my mind. He takes us on a leap off the edge and convinces me that this act is our only hope of finally getting some solid ground underneath our souls.

* author of Blues for Cannibals *

If you love to ponder our subtly nuanced relationships with all that surrounds us, this book is for you.

* Catalyst *

Rothenberg is concerned with what it means to be human, both in and out of nature; what it means to remove ourselves from nature, yet strive to preserve it. . . . Rothenberg's writing is by turns challenging, poetic, insightful.

* Chronogram *

Reading Always the Mountains is like hiking a trail with both friend and mentor, with every step a new discovery and subsequent, exciting conversation.

Stirring . . . Rothenberg explores our evolving attitudes-in literature, in philosophy—toward the lofty peaks that surround and inspire us.

* E Magazine *

Engaging and profound, Always the Mountains marries information and imagination.

* editor of Resurgence