The three renowned Swiss avalanche researchers Stephan Harvey, Hansueli Rhyner and Jürg Schweizer have written a new, at first glance somewhat inconspicuous avalanche textbook. "Lawinenkunde" is the name of the 192-page work published by Bruckmann Verlag.
This book is a great addition to the literature on avalanches. Because the avalanche book succeeds in doing what no other avalanche publication has done so far: "Lawinenkunde" is a skillful synthesis: loosely based on Hegel's thesis (analytical [snowpack] avalanche science) - antithesis (strategic reduction methods avalanche science) - synthesis, the Swiss experts combine strategic avalanche science à la Werner Munter's 3x3 and reduction method with the latest findings from snow and avalanche research. And voilá: the result is a book that offers the best of both worlds, so to speak, even though some people consider the two different approaches to be incompatible. The book is interesting all round and, despite its high level of content, is easy to understand for interested laypeople.
Avalanche awareness
Practical knowledge for beginners and professionals on dangers, risks and strategies
The book is divided into four main chapters: (B) for avalanche basics, (T) for theory, (P) for the practical chapter and (R) for the correct behavior in an emergency (= avalanche rescue).
I am happy to admit that I learned a few new things while browsing through the book. The book explains the current state of avalanche research and avalanche practice in a condensed form and, above all, how winter sports enthusiasts should deal with the danger of avalanches. Due to this wealth of topics, the reader is required to have some prior knowledge, otherwise there is a risk of being overwhelmed by the amount of information. I would therefore not recommend this book to first-time freeriders as an introduction to avalanche science, but would rather recommend Munters 3x3 or ... (you know).
The only criticism is the somewhat unkind layout, but this is a matter of taste, and that many of the impressive and good photos have very little space in the rather densely packed layout.