The book tells the story the first ascents of many of the most challenging peaks in Norway and contributed greatly to popularizing mountaineering in Norway—particularly in Jotunheimen—among the international and especially British mountaineering community, which had thus far largely focused on the Alps.

It was published in Edinburgh by Scottish publisher David Douglas in 1904, with 425 pages, 32 full page illustrations, 9 maps and 70 vignettes.

Slingsby first visited Norway in 1872 and fell in love with the country.

[1][2] Mountaineering historian Jill Neate noted in 1986 that "Slingsby was one of the leading climbers of his generation, climbing in Britain and the Alps, but he is still revered in Norway as the 'Father' of Norwegian mountaineering.

His book remains the classic, indispensable work on the region.