The story of the largest mountain range in Europe, from Hannibal to Heidi and beyond. Entire armies have marched over its passes, herds of pilgrims had to cross them on their way to Rome, smugglers and bandits used its many valleys as hideouts, and not a few mining engineers and alpine pioneers lost their lives in the attempt to leave a human mark on them. Today, about 14 million people live among the peaks of Europe's largest mountain range, and the once fearsome heights have become a popular destination for millions of hikers, skiers, and wellness vacationers. This book takes its readers on an exciting and entertaining journey through the history of the Alps. Historian Stephen O'Shea encounters the locals, their quirks, and shares in passing the numerous myths and legends that have developed.