I read THE SNOW LEOPARD when it first came out in the late 1970’s. I much enjoyed it then and rereading it in 2025 reminded me of what a treasure it is. If you have a shelf in your library reserved for American classics like WALDON and LEAVES OF GRASS this book belongs in the same row. Like most classics it sheds light on many subjects and can be enjoyed in different ways. Anyone who appreciates beautiful writing will find it appealing. While it is but the day-to-day report of a trek into the Himalayas, the richness of detail, the development of character, the underlying tension and emotional depth equals that of great fiction. Interested in the history of Buddhism in India, Nepal and Tibet? You will get your fill in these pages along with the weather, the people, the birds and animals of the region.

But THE SNOW LEEOPARD is also a deeply honest, beautifully observed account of one man’s midlife journey as he works his way through loss and grief toward wisdom and acceptance.

“I go slowly down the mountain, falling well behind the rest, in no hurry to get back to that dark camp.  Despite the hard day that has ended in defeat, despite the loss of three thousand feet of altitude that will have to be so painfully regained, despite the gloomy canyon and uncertain weather and ill humor of my friend, and the very doubtful prospects for tomorrow, I feel at peace among these looming rocks, the cloud swirl and wind-whirled snow, as if the earth had opened up to take me in.”