[1] In this book, Al Alvarez frequently relates the biographical stories and philosophy of his companion Mo Anthoine to convey the emotional range that can be experienced in a life of mountaineering.

In Feeding the Rat, Al Alvarez discusses the emotions at the heart of climbing and how deeper knowledge of the self can be gained through suffering, strife, and challenge.

The text doesn't just focus on positive climbing experiences; there are also some big falls described in its chapters, such as the ill-fated Ogre mountain expedition.

In this sense, Feeding the Rat breaks from the traditional style of mountaineering books of the period, which tended to keep an unwavering focus on expedition experience.

[4] In addition to mountaineering, the book also delves into home improvement, running a business making and selling outdoor equipment, and even the bonds of friendship.