This book is about the mountains. It deals with the struggle for high goals in a twofold sense: it tells of alpine action, of the striving to overcome each of the obstacles that lie between the forested valleys and the brightly shining peaks, of the treachery of ice, of the defiance of rocks, of traversing ridges between the valleys, of storms and rain showers, and of nights under a starry sky. It also speaks of a desireless view over a thousand rolling peaks, over the world, and over one's own will. "Action and Dream" is a love letter from the geologist, paleontologist, writer, and passionate mountaineer Oskar Erich Meyer to alpine experiences, which he describes and executes with such fervor that the reader feels as if they have climbed the peaks with Meyer, defied the hardships of nature, and enjoyed incredible natural spectacles alongside him.