The Snow Leopard

Peter Matthiessen

The Snow Leopard is a 1978 non-fiction book by American author Peter Matthiessen. It follows the author’s journey through the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. He is in search for both personal and spiritual enlightenment, as he sets out on a six-week journey accompanied by field biologist George Schaller in an effort to find and observe the rare and beautiful snow leopard. Along this adventure, Matthiessen documents an engaging and captivating recount of his experiences.The narrative is marked by both the beauty and physical strain of his ambitious trek. While observing the spectacular Himalayan landscape, Matthiessen finds himself in a position to reflect on his own mortality and the moral imperatives that define his life. In his travels, he survives extreme weather and terrain, and encounters the remarkable cultural diversity of the Himalayan people. Ultimately, Matthiessen’s quest turns into an inner pilgrimage, a journey toward an understanding of life’s sacred mysteries. The Snow Leopard is a memoir of Matthiessen’s remarkable journey and culminates in a concluding statement that sums up the writer’s profound spiritual transformation. Matthiessen's style of writing is engaging and evocative, filled with poetic descriptions and breathtaking photographs. As readers embark on The Snow Leopard, they will find more than just a travelogue; this book is a timeless exploration of our shared connection to nature, to one another and to higher spiritual realities.