Book excerpt: The Himalayas have captivated the imagination and interest of humankind for centuries. The more we explore, the more we learn. India's rich history, society, and culture, are deeply influenced by the world's tallest mountain range. After all, before modern travel, the Himalayas were the most important gateway to India, for people, goods and ideas. This rare and invaluable record of the youngest mountain range in the world is back in print after a century. The extensively detailed information on every district, food habits, customs, influences, as well as the people and their vocations will provide a new perspective to a whole new generation of young readers. The aim of this publication is to make Atkinson's rich data accessible once again to researchers so that we can continue to refer to this rich source of information in our continued work to conserve the rich natural resources and ecological heritage of the Himalayas which stand frighteningly threatened by fast paced and largely unplanned development.