This is a three part study of alpinism and its literature which includes: 1) A history of alpinism 2) Literary Movements of Alpine Literature and the transformation of this literature towards mysticism and science fiction in the 20th century 3) An exploration of the question of the future of alpinism and its literature in the context of environmental degredation and technological advancements, vis a vis 4 interviews with alpinists - Roger Canac, Chris Bonnington, Mick Fowler, and Jean-Olivier Majastre.(two are British and two are French) In its conclusion, this work explores the power of the human imagination and the future of urban alpinism, as demonstrated by the recent movement "Parkour."