The prestigious Alpine Journal is the oldest mountaineering journal in the world. This 116th volume features some of the boldest exploratory alpinism of the last year or so. An international cast including Mick Fowler, Pat Deavoll (NZ), Freddie Wilkinson (US), Bruce Normand (Scotland) describe first ascents in Nepal, Afghanistan, India and China, while Italian Simone Moro reflects on the ordeal of making the first ascent of a Karakoram 8000er in winter. To mark the London Olympics there is a thoughtful essay by Phil Bartlett on "Is Mountaineering Sport?", and also a long-overdue French admission that Bonington and Whillans were indeed the first to the top of the Central Pillar of Freney on Mont Blanc. The above are only a selection of what is to be found in this richly illustrated volume. Details of new routes around the world in an authoritative Area Notes section, scientific research on glaciers and on carbon monoxide poisoning from camp stoves, paintings in watercolour and oil, and lively book reviews all contribute to the variety of this latest Alpine Journal.