The English language hasn't invented words sufficient to describe the photographs in this magnificent book. Shirakawa's photographs are so mind-blowing that they almost reach out and grab you and propel you up to the Roof of the World. There are full page and double-page photos galore, and some foldout plates that will literally take your breath away. Shirakawa took his photographs at all hours of the day and night; we see the Himalayas in all their majesty in the muted shades of dawn, glowing crimson and purple at sunset, sharply etched at high noon, snow and ice crystals glittering like an overturned jewel box, and lushly green valleys in the foothills. The book is divided into four sections representing the Nepal, Punjab and Sikkim Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush range in India. The text is absorbing and relates the geographical evolution of the Himalayas, as well as giving us a brief look at the history and culture of the people who live in their shadow. But the text is a pale shadow to the incredible, magnificent pictures. Looking at these awesome photographs, one can almost believe in the existence of Shangri-La.

This book has the most intense and beautiful pictures of rugged mountains that I've ever seen.