Climbing and mountaineering Books

Book SynopsisGripping and sumptuous, this is the definitive book on the history, mystique, and science of Mount Everest, including how climate change is impacting the world's tallest mountain.   In 1963, the American Mount Everest Expedition made mountaineering history. It was the first American venture to successfully scale the legendary peak and the first successful climb up the hazardous West Ridge (a climb so difficult no one has yet repeated it). In 2012, adventurer Conrad Anker led a National Geographic/The North Face team up the mountain to enact a legacy climb. Environmental changes and overcrowding led to challenges and disappointments, but yet the mountain maintains its allure. Now, steely-eyed Anker leads a team of writers in a book designed to celebrate the world's most famous mountain, to look back over the years of climbing triumphs and tragedies, and to spotlight what has changed--and what remains eternal--on Mount Everest. Telltale signs of Everest's current

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Book SynopsisEducating and inspiring those who wish to venture out to the UK mountains in winter, this DVD is packed with information and advice on the skills and techniques required to operate more safely in Winter. A 43-minute film followed by 11 technical chapters cover specific skills and techniques totaling 80 minutes.

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Book SynopsisThe height of Mt. Everest was first measured in 1850, but the closest any westerner got to Everest during the next 71 years, until 1921, was 40 miles. The Hunt for Mt. Everest tells the story of the 71-year quest to find the world's highest mountain. It's a tale of high drama, of larger-than-life characters-George Everest, Francis Younghusband, George Mallory, Lord Curzon, Edward Whymper-and a few quiet heroes: Alexander Kellas, the 13th Dalai Lama, Charles Bell. A story that traverses the Alps, the Himalayas, Nepal and Tibet, the British Empire (especially British India and the Raj), the Anglo-Russian rivalry known as The Great Game, the disastrous First Afghan War, and the phenomenal Survey of India - it is far bigger than simply the tallest mountain in the world. Encountering spies, war, political intrigues, and hundreds of mules, camels, bullocks, yaks, and two zebrules, Craig Storti uncovers the fascinating and still largely overlooked saga of all that led up to that moment in late June of 1921 when two English climbers, George Mallory and Guy Bullock, became the first westerners-and almost certainly the first human beings-to set foot on Mt. Everest and thereby claimed the last remaining major prize in the history of exploration.With 2021 bringing the 100th anniversary of that year, most Everest chronicles have dealt with the climbing history of the mountain, with all that happened after 1921. The Hunt for Mt. Everest is the seldom-told story of all that happened before.Trade ReviewTense and detailed ... A lively and useful addition to the shelves of Everestiana -- John KeayA rich and fascinating book that tells the story of Everest in glimpses from unexpected angles, revealing one face then another, discovering surprising new routes through well-trodden terrain. Getting to the top isn't the point - the point is the mountain itself -- Nick HuntA very readable and entertaining account of the earliest days of Everest, with a cast of great characters and driving narrative which reaches a terrific climax in 1921 -- Mick ConefreyA compelling account of the essential back story to the epic 20th century attempt by British mountaineering expeditions to ascend the world's highest mountain ... This is great mountaineering history -- Maurice Isserman * co-author of Fallen Giants *To climb the world's highest mountain was one thing; to find it quite another. In this compelling new contribution to the cultural history of mountaineering, Storti composes the definitive back story of Mount Everest -- Stewart Weaver * co-author of Fallen Giants *Craig Storti has given us the Everest book that we've needed all along ... The Hunt for Mount Everest is the necessary, and admirably written, historical prelude to the great age of Himalayan mountaineering -- Scott EllsworthAn entertaining and enlightening account of how the British identified the highest mountain, ensured that it was their preserve, and made the first attempt to climb it. -- Peter GillmanThe definitive book on Mt. Everest's discovery, naming, and earliest climbing history. Superlative research and captivating reading! A colorfully-caste detective story about the Empire-building British surveyors, explorers, and mountaineers who adamantly believed this newly-crowned Third Pole must be conquered, absolutely without fail, by an Englishman. * Ed Webster, author of Snow In the Kingdom, My Storm Years on Everest *

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Book SynopsisThis 2nd edition of "Ben Nevis: Britain's Highest Mountain" brings the history of Ben Nevis right up to date from the 1st edition, by adding the period from 1986 to 2008. This is a highly illustrated and painstakingly researched history of a mountain whose global status far outstrips its modest altitude; a story of climbers, poets, geologists, map makers and pioneering meteorologists. For more than 100 years, mountaineers have honed their skills and equipment on its flanks and ridges and applied them to dazzling effect in the Alps and Greater Ranges. Today, climbing on Ben Nevis is more popular than ever and the mountain's international reputation continues to grow, as its cliffs offer up some of the most challenging traditional summer and winter climbs in the world. This title offers fully updated history of Britain's most famous mountain from 1585 - 2008. It is highly illustrated with more than 400 (mostly colour) photographs, diagrams and maps. It features significant new research and historical photographs, and includes chapters on: Ben Nevis Observatory, Ben Nevis Distillery, Ben Nevis Aluminium Smelter, Ben Nevis Hill Race, Environment and Conservation, Gaelic Place Names, Geology and Mapping.

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated history from the Scottish Mountaineering Trust of the first 100 years of mountaineering in The Cairngorms - one of the most popular and most famous climbing areas in the UK. Following on from the successful and much lauded Ben Nevis - Britain's Highest Mountain, this is the second important book from the Scottish Mountaineering Trust to document the history of Scottish mountaineering. "The Cairngorms - 100 Years of Mountaineering" is a comprehensive history which details climbing and mountaineering in the Cairngorms from 1893 to 1993, with a postscript highlighting some of the main developments since then. It is a tale of human endeavour played out among the remote corries and cliffs of Britain's premier mountain range. The book recounts the pioneering activities of climbers drawn to the high hills of The Cairngorms from all over the country and describes the continuing development of summer and winter climbing on the famous granite cliffs located there, as well as on other lesser known cliffs. This title presents full history of the first 100 years of climbing in Britain's most important mountain range. It is written by the foremost expert on climbing in The Cairngorm mountains. It is heavily illustrated with 300 photographs, many of which are of historical importance. It is a book which will appeal to all who have climbed, or aspire to climb in one of Britain's most popular climbing areas. It is a companion to Ben Nevis - Britain's Highest Mountain.

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Book SynopsisThis Scottish Mountaineering Club climbers' guidebook details all the summer and winter climbing to be found in the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin of Skye has long been regarded as one of the finest climbing areas in the UK. This guidebook is written by a Mountain Guide with an in-depth knowledge of the area. Since the successful 1996 edition of this guide, there have been many new climbs. It is fully comprehensive and up to date covering both summer and winter climbs. It is companion volume to the forthcoming Skye - Sea-cliffs and Outcrops guide. It is full colour throughout with action pictures and detailed photo-diagrams. It is user friendly in a successful and well presented format. It includes page marker ribbon to ease the location of climbs. Mike Lates is a climber and mountain guide who lives and works on the Isle of Skye, his knowledge of the Cuillin Mountains from both a personal and professional point of view is considerable.

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Book SynopsisGuidebook to the via ferrata routes of the southern Italian Dolomites. This guide covers via ferrata routes in the major mountain ranges of Civetta, Schiara and Pala as well as those to the west in the Brenta. A significant addition (and, as far as we are aware, not previously published in any English language guidebook) is the inclusion of routes around the northern end of Lake Garda and the Piccole Dolomites north of Vicenza. Here the mountains are generally lower and you can enjoy ferrata climbing over a much extended season, with some routes accessible for most of the year. This is the second in a series of two guidebooks to the via ferratas of the Italian Dolomites. (Volume One covers the eastern, northern and central areas of the Dolomites, while Volume Two completes the picture, focusing on the southern, Brenta and Lake Garda areas.)Trade Review'You could never accuse it of shying away from niche sports. In fact Cicerone Press appears to take pride in publishing books that only those already passionate about a specific sport or place are likely to buy. This time, though, it's appealing to a growing fraternity. Via ferratas, especially in the Italian Dolomites, are becoming increasingly popular as walkers push their personal limits in a different mountain playground. That, and the availability of cheap flights to airports feeding the Dolomites, have helped push via ferrata to the fore. For those who haven't experienced the heart-pumping exhilaration of the via ferrata network, they are protected routes in rocky mountain ranges, using fixed cables, ladders and bridges. They allow the walker to access places usually reserved for rock climbers and provide a unique way to enjoy the breath-taking beauty and exposure of the mountains. Until now the only decent guidebook has been Cicerone's Scrambles in the Dolomites. This suffered from being out of date (first published in 1982) and translated from German (although this has also helped fill long hours in huts, as people gather round to laugh at the phraseology). Smith and Fletcher's version, covering the North, Central and East Dolomites, gains considerable points by originating in English. It has an excellent introduction with comprehensive information on equipment, weather, maps, accommodation options and so on. In fact, if I'd had this book prior to my first trip to the Dolomites I would have saved a fortune on phone calls to Italy. They've also created a new two-stage grading system incorporating both difficulty of the route and seriousness of the mountain situation. Cross-referencing back to routes that I know, I'd say this is accurate and easy to follow. The book includes 75 routes in a fairly tight geographical area, including Cortina, Marmolada and Val di Fassa. They're well described with good colour photography and clear sketch maps. Some are straight-forward walking routes, others go up to the highest level of via ferrata. But the authors have opted to cluster the routes according to valley base rather than mountain groupings and have not referred to the mountain ranges in either text or maps. An index of mountain groups is some compensation but unless you have a local map in front of you, this isn't much help. Given that there are two identical locator maps in the book showing numbered routes relative to each other, converting one of these to show mountain groups as well as towns would have made things easier to follow. VOLUME TWO will complete the coverage of the Dolomites. It will include the famous Brenta group as well as the southern Dolomites, with the stunning Paia group being particularly well represented. Besides the honeypot via ferrata, this volume will break new ground in covering some of the short-duration, off-beat routes near Lake Garda. These are often real gems, and make this volume essential reading for walkers on a lake-based holiday who need a dose of adrenaline, stunning scenery and physical challenge. (Judy Armstrong, TGO)Table of ContentsCONTENTS Route Listing Key to Diagrams Preface INTRODUCTION How to use this Guide Route Groupings When to Go Travel to the Dolomites Accommodation Local Transport Telephones Map Availability and Place Names Weather Route Grading Equipment Cable Etiquette What to Wear? Accidents and Mountain Rescue Some History Geology Flora Wildlife ROUTES AND BASES Bolzano Valle di Primiero and San Martino di Castrozza Agordino Belluno Bassano del Grappa Vicenza Brenta Trento Riva, Lake Garda Rovereto APPENDIX 1: Glossary of Mountain Terms APPENDIX 2: Index of Routes in Grade Order APPENDIX 3: Index of Routes by Mountain Group APPENDIX 4: Mountain Rescue APPENDIX 5: Useful Addresses APPENDIX 6: Bibliography

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Book Synopsis"Winter Climbing+" is the third in the critically acclaimed series of instructional books from Rockfax. Written by two of the UK's most respected winter climbers, "Winter Climbing+" takes a positive approach to the climbing discipline that has traditionally had its delights obscured by its dangers.Filled with inspirational full colour photographs throughout, and a clear, concise text that quickly unravels the mysteries of winter climbing, "Winter Climbing+" wastes no time in revealing shortcuts to the skills that make a sound winter climber. The book assumes the reader has no prior-knowledge of winter climbing and starts with the basic skills and equipment that are needed to safely head into the hills. The book progresses gradually to the more subtle movement skills and tactical elements that allow for rapid progress into higher levels of difficulty.Describing the full range of activities covered by the title, "Winter Climbing+" takes a detailed look at both ice and mixed climbing, examining both the traditional mixed climbing skills as well as those needed for modern sport mixed now widely practised. The book follows the style set in previous titles by including an in-depth look at the all-important psychological aspects of the sport, and finishes with a guide to major winter climbing destinations.

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Book SynopsisThe fourth edition of the Rockfax covering the eastern gritstone edges of the Peak District. Since it was first published in 2001, this book has become the one of the UK's best loved climbing guidebooks. It covers the most popular traditional climbing areas in the country including Stanage, Burbage. Millstone, Froggatt, Curbar, Birchen and Cratcliffe plus an other 20 quality gritstone crags ranging from Wharncliffe in the north to Black Rocks in the south. Although it is a selected buttress guide, it has now developed into nearly comprehensive listing of all the major routes on the areas covered. Fully updated with many new crag photographs, new routes, grade and information changes and new maps. Wharncliffe, Agden Rocher, Rivelin, Dovestone Tor, Bamford, Stanage, Burbage North, Higgar Tor, Carl Wark, Burbage South, Over Owler Tor, Millstone, Lawrencefield, Yarncliffe, Froggatt, Curbar, Baslow, Gardom's, Birchen, Chatsworth, Robin Hood's Stride, Cratcliffe, Black Rocks, Turningstone Edge, Duke's Quarry, Shining Cliff

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Book Synopsis"A Fine Line is more than just a recounting of remarkable expeditions, summit views, and thin air. It's a story of resilience, loss, and the quest for a balanced and meaningful life in the unforgiving realm of high-risk mountain sports. --Men's Journal Honestly portrays the highs and lows of a life dedicated to the outdoors Shares the author's development as an outspoken conservation advocate Story is rooted in the peaks of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Pakistan How do we reconcile our love of outdoor adventure with the inevitability of loss in high-risk sports? Still in his thirties, Graham Zimmerman has made first ascents from Alaska to Pakistan, and in 2020 he received the Piolet d'Or for his climb on Pakistan's Link Sar with Steve Swenson. A sponsored athlete who is sought out as a climbing partner, Zimmerman knows that he must find a balance between his ambitions as an alpinist and his social responsibilities--as a husband, climate advocate, and community leader. His generation has faced devastating grief in the mountains, including the deaths of Kyle Dempster, Hayden Kennedy, and Inge Perkins, and his cohort has witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change in the form of disappearing glaciers and increasingly erratic weather. Zimmerman writes of the exhilaration he feels while climbing but also the painful realization that summiting at all costs is an outdated model. As A Fine Line traces Graham's journey, mountain lovers everywhere will see themselves in this coming-of-age story of adventure and personal reckoning.Trade ReviewA Fine Line traces Zimmerman's evolution from budding mountaineer to sponsored athlete to battle-hardened alpinist who embraces the theme of a "100-year-plan."--Stephen Kurczy "Appalachia" This worthwhile coming-of-age read is full of adventure and reflections on being a husband, climate advocate, and community leader.--Naomi Farr "Men's Journal "Top Non-Fiction Books of the Year"" What is most striking about this book is the detail in which he describes each expedition, including the skills and shared passion of his climbing partners and the extreme weather and challenges of reaching or not reaching summits in the sky.--Margaret Bauman "The Cordova Times" Readers will learn about the outdoor adventures of an acclaimed alpinist, one who has made first ascents on mountains across the planet, sometimes ending in great losses as well as first-hand awareness of impending climate change.--Wendy Altschuler "Forbes" A gripping and informative book by one of the most talented and influential alpinists of his generation.-- "Climbing" A Fine Line is a story of defining priorities--and of learning to compromise while piecing it all together.--Abbey Collins "Alpinist Magazine" His new book, "A Fine Line" reflects on his incredible climbing career. In the sometimes overly macho, deeply risky pursuit of alpine climbing, his book offers a welcomed counterpoint to the narrative we often hear.-- "The Dirtbag Diaries" The rewards of alpine climbing are described with a novelist's sense of situation, character, and detail.--Tom Valis "Gripped Magazine" A beautiful memoir about life, love, career, values, ambitions, and survival while climbing the world's most technical mountains.--Meghan Robins "Odd Fodder" Acclaimed alpinist Graham Zimmerman's newest book is an important query into the ways outdoor enthusiasts--and professionals--balance the human and environmental cost of their adventures.--Taylor Gerlach "Seattle Met" In this well-crafted book, Zimmerman candidly shares his remarkable journey from a budding climber to one of the best alpinists in the world. Yet, A Fine Line is more than just a recounting of remarkable expeditions, summit views, and thin air. It's a story of resilience, loss, and the quest for a balanced and meaningful life in the unforgiving realm of high-risk mountain sports.--Dalton Johnson "Men's Journal" An excellent read, A Fine Line is well worth adding to any collection of climbing and mountaineering books.--Jaime Herndon "goEast" Obviously for fans of extreme outdoor sports, Zimmerman's debut is also recommended for readers seeking wisdom and balance in any pursuit.--Julia Kastner "Shelf Awareness" A Fine Line reveals the realities of climbing and highlights an intentional approach to reaching the tallest pinnacles and living a balanced, meaningful life.--Wendy Hinman "Foreword Reviews" Vivid descriptions of climbs and conditions are thoughtfully paired with the author's growth as a sportsman and a person. Highly recommended for readers of memoirs, sports narratives, and outdoor adventures.--Catherine Lantz "Library Journal"

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Book SynopsisOn 30 January 1981 Joe Tasker and Ade Burgess stood at 24,000 feet on the West Ridge of Mount Everest. Below them were their companions, some exhausted, some crippled by illness, all virtually incapacitated. Further progress seemed impossible.Everest the Cruel Way is Joe Tasker's story of an attempt to climb the highest mountain on earth – an attempt which pushed a group of Britain's finest mountaineers to their limits. The goal had been to climb Mount Everest at its hardest: via the infamous West Ridge, without supplementary oxygen and in winter. Tasker's epic account vividly describes experiences that no climber had previously endured. Close up and personal, it is a gripping account of day-to-day life on expedition and of the struggle to live at high altitude.Joe Tasker was one of Britain's best mountaineers. He was a pioneer of lightweight, alpine-style climbing in the Greater Ranges and had a special talent for writing. He died, along with his friend Peter Boardman, high on Everest in 1982 while attempting a new and unclimbed line. Both men were superb mountaineers and talented writers.Trade Review'If any writer has expressed the essence of winter climbing in the Himalayas, it is Joe Tasker.' – Reinhold MessnerTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsForeword by Chris Bonington ‘A Great Partnership’Chapter 1 A Step FurtherChapter 2 The Idea and the TeamChapter 3 Going to the Widow MakerChapter 4 Attacking the RampartsChapter 5 The Lho LaChapter 6 Progress and PunishmentChapter 7 ChristmasChapter 8 Grim NightsChapter 9 ‘In the mountains one forgets to count the days’Chapter 10 Attrition and the Turning PointChapter 11 Straight TalkingChapter 12 The Wind Up

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Book SynopsisPelion Peninsula with Mt Mavrovouni on a waterproof and tear-resistant, double-sided, contoured and GPS compatible hiking map at 1:45,000 from Anavasi highlighting 20 recommended hiking trails, beaches, campsites, etc. All place names are in both Greek and Latin alphabet. Coverage extends from the southern tip of the peninsula northwards across Mt. Pelio and Volos to Sklithro north of Mt Mavrovouni. The map has contours at 20m intervals, with light relief shading, altitude colouring and numerous spot heights. Road network indicates dirt roads in poor condition, gives distances on most small local roads, and shows locations of petrol stations. Footpaths are graded to show narrow or poorly defined paths, with 20 recommended routes highlighted and cross-referenced to details of their length and approximate hiking time. Symbols mark locations of various places of interest, including campsites, beaches, archaeological sites, etc. The map has a 1km UTM grid plus crosshairs at 1' intervals. Detachable map cover includes an index of settlements in both scripts. Map legend and all the text include English.

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Book SynopsisThe Anti-Atlas, by Morocco Rock, is the latest selected climbs guide to Morocco's winter sun trad climbing destination, featuring the very best routes to be found in the region around the busy market town of Tafraout, and only a couple of hours from Agadir airport.Table of Contents1. Crag Table 2. Climbing Information and Grading 3. Walking Information 4. Culture, logistics and Accommodation 5. Climate, Flora & Fauna 6. QR codes for Crag parking 7. Sidi M'Zal Area 8. Tizi South 9. Tizi North 10. Ida Ougnidif 11. Aouguenz Road 12. Samazar Valley 13. Afantinzar 14. Tagzene & Tanalt 15. Ameln Valley 16. Tafraout Granite

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Book SynopsisThe North Face of the Eiger was long notorious as the most dangerous climb in the Swiss Alps, one that had claimed the lives of numerous mountaineers. In February 1966, two teams – one German, the other British–American – aimed to climb it by a new direct route. Astonishingly, the two teams knew almost nothing about each other’s attempt until both arrived at the foot of the face. The race was on.John Harlin led the four-man British–American team and intended to make an Alpine-style dash for the summit as soon as weather conditions allowed. The Germans, with an eight-man team, planned a relentless Himalayan-style ascent, whatever the weather. The authors were key participants as the dramatic events unfolded. Award-winning writer Peter Gillman, then twenty-three, was reporting for the Telegraph, talking to the climbers by radio and watching their monumental struggles from telescopes at the Kleine Scheidegg hotel. Renowned Scottish climber Dougal Haston was a member of Harlin’s team, forging the way up crucial pitches on the storm-battered mountain. Chris Bonington began as official photographer but then played a vital role in the ascent. Eiger Direct, first published in 1966, is a story of risk and resilience as the climbers face storms, frostbite and tragedy in their quest to reach the summit. This edition features a new introduction by Peter Gillman.

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Book SynopsisJules Lines, Britain's most accomplished free solo climber, gives a rare and candid glimpse into the mind of one of climbing's most audacious and determined legends. Tears of the Dawn is a journey unlike any other. With artistic eloquence and an unexpected humbleness, Lines recreates the triumphs, tribulations, friendships, romances and perhaps most poignantly of all, his close encounters with death, leaving the reader breathless, on edge, and, as the sunlight breaks, dreaming of mountain tops, oil rigs and a sense of adventure. This heartfelt and at times humourous, adrenaline-infused account is more than a story of adventure, it is a tale of obsession, addiction, passion, courage and the ability to push boundaries. Beautifully designed and illustrated, for dreamers and realists alike, Tears of the Dawn is an awe-inspiring and toe-tingling tale to be enjoyed by all. This second edition of the sellout original includes refreshed photography.Table of Contents1. Walking on the Moon 2. The Lure of the Tables 3. Precious Stones 4. The Hunted 5. Spirits in the Rocks 6. Grit Years 7. A Calm Sea Never Lies 8. Skye is the Limit 9. Icon of Lust 10. Dreamtime 11. Voices from the Abyss 12. Vanishing Point 13. Brazilian Learning Curve 14. Howff Dwellers 15. Déjà Vu 16. Feeding the Hens 17. Am Fear Liath Mor 18. Threading the Needles 19. The Otter's Breakfast Table 20. Rumours of Rain 21. The Dark Tide 22. Soul of Silence

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Book SynopsisIf there's an adventure to be had, it's likely that David Hempleman-Adams has been there first. Ranking alongside Ranulph Fiennes and Chris Bonnington in the pantheon of British explorers, he is the first person in history to achieve what is termed the Adventurers' Grand Slam, by reaching the Geographic and Magnetic North and South Poles as well as climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. The question Hempleman-Adams is most often asked is, simply: what drives him on? Why risk frostbite pulling a sledge to the North Pole? Why experience the Death Zone on Everest? Why fly in the tiny basket of a precarious balloon across the Atlantic? Is it simply the case that he likes to push himself to the limits, or is there something more to it? No Such Thing as Failure answers these questions and more, uncovering what drives arguably the world''s greatest adventurer.Trade ReviewI admire David hugely. He is a true adventurer and this book shows the breadth and depth of his achievements. NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE is an astonishing book, depicting an awe-inspiring life.

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Book SynopsisGuardian Books to Watch 2022Evening Standard Books to Watch 2022Bookseller Editor's ChoiceWinner of the Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature'A wonderful book - exhilarating and taut, fearless in its explorations of wildness, risk, motherhood, and the inner and outer worlds of the writer' Jon McGregor'This book is beautiful' Emma Jane Unsworth'Climbing gives you the illusion of being in control, just for a while, the tantalising sense of being able to stay one move ahead of death'As a child, Helen Mort was drawn to the thrill and risk of climbing, the tension between human and rockface, and the climber's need to be hyperaware of the sensory world - to feel the texture of rock under their fingers, how their crampons bite into the ice, the subtle shifts in weather. But when she becomes a mother for the first time, she finds herself re-examining this most elemental of disciplines, and the way that we view women who put themselves in danger.Written by one of Britain's most talented young writers, A Line Above the Sky melds memoir and nature writing to create what will surely become a classic of the genre; it asks why humans are compelled to climb and poses other, deeper questions about self, motherhood and freedom. It is a love letter to losing oneself in physicality, whether that in the risk of climbing a granite wall solo, without ropes, or the intensity of bringing a child into the world.Trade ReviewA gorgeous memoir all about the great outdoors and the impulse to go to our limits * Evening Standard *Strong stuff, satisfying and intriguing to read * Sarah Moss *A candid and moving exploration of early motherhood...the writing is beautifully lyrical * The I *This is a book of the seen and unseen; on being alive; on being wild; on being a woman. This book is about being a woman - both seen and unseen - alive and wild - in a world that needs new words for every single part of this. And my oh my, how Mort writes those new words. * Caught By the River *An intimate take on motherhood and self-dissolution, and the way mountains can come to fill the voids of a life. * Economist *

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Book SynopsisWill undoubtedly become a classic narrative of this scenically magnificent, legend-rich and geologically unique part of Scotland' Cameron McNeish, The HeraldRising a kilometre out of the storm-scoured waters around Scotland's Isle of Skye is a dark battlement of pinnacles and ridgelines: the Cuillin.Plagued by ferocious weather and built from rock that tears skin and confounds compasses, a crossing of the Cuillin is the toughest mountaineering expedition in the British Isles. But the traverse is only part of its lure. Hewn from the innards of an ancient volcano, this mountain range stands like a crown on an island drenched in intrigue. While nineteenth-century climbers flocked to the Alps, the ridge lay untrodden and unyielding. When a generation of mountaineers did come, they found a remarkable prize: the last peaks of Britain to be climbed peaks that would be named after those who climbed them. Along the way, many others, from artists and poets to mystics and wanderers, have been luTrade Review‘Thrilling’ Guardian ‘Delicious… evokes the weather and the rocks and the people of the Skye I know better than anything else I’ve encountered’ Neil Gaiman 'An utterly enthralling tale to read. About passion, love, mystery, human nature… an important addition to the canon of mountaineering literature about Skye.’ The Great Outdoors magazine ‘The depth of research is extensive, yet his writing is so poetic that the pages fly by.’ Rosie Morton, Scottish Field ‘A hillwalker’s paean to the Cuillin blends scenery, folklore and wonder … The Skye Cuillin has obviously captured Simon Ingram’s heart and that fact resounds from every page … [The Black Ridge] will undoubtedly become a classic narrative of this scenically magnificent, legend-rich and geologically unique part of Scotland’ Cameron McNeish, The Herald ‘[Ingram’s] Cuillin journey makes riveting reading … It’s unputdownable’ Maggie Fergusson, Spectator ‘Brilliant’ Jamie Collinson, Caught by the River Praise for Simon Ingram’s Between the Sunset and the Sea: ‘Wonderful’ Clare Balding ‘This is the work of a polymath mountain-lover with a backpack-sized curiosity and the stamina to take notes when most of us would be gasping for breath. It’s not just painstakingly researched, it’s also well written … an intrepid, original book’ The Times ‘A welcome and refreshing addition to the increasingly crowded field of New Nature Writing. Warm, poetic and humane yet shivery with the vertiginous thrill and allure that mountains cast over some of us.’ Stuart Maconie ‘Almost Tolkienian in delivery … Between the Sunset and the Sea turns mountain climbs into a form of poetry.’ BBC Countryfile ‘Rich, thought-provoking and lyrical.’ Scotland Outdoors ‘Accessible and refreshing … written in an engaging style that quickly takes the reader into its confidence. The endearing confession of an authentic mountain addict.’ Country Walking

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Book SynopsisSimon Yates, author of Against the Wall, takes us back to his early years as a climber - the escapades and excitement of a young life lived on the edge and for the moment, when experience was all-important and dramatic achievements and failures came as naturally as the hair-raising risks themselves.A mountaineering travelogue of dazzling variety, The Flame of Adventure moves from the camaraderie of deprived Russian climbers in the little-known peaks in the Tien Shan to the awesome experience of the North Face of the Eiger, from a rumbustious motorbike ride across Australia with a psychotic lorry driver. We meet a remarkable gallery of climbers, from Doug Scott to Joe Simpson, and, when not exploring high mountains, we enter the bizarre world of rope access workers: mavericks balancing high above building sites on the London skyline.Trade ReviewSimon Yates' remarkable climbing journal, which offers the armchair alpinist a detailed account of lucky escapes, near disasters and more than a few triumphs, is one of the most readable mountaineering books currently on the market * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisIn 1997, Andy Cave returned from the Himalayas, having climbed the stupendous north face of Changabang but losing his friend and climbing partner in the process. Traumatized by the savage ordeal, he must examine his relationship with the mountains that have defined his life so far. Will he have the courage to undertake such a challenge again? Does he want to? Thin White Line charts his struggle towards finding an answer. It is as much a journey into the mind of an extreme mountaineer as it is into the wild landscapes through which he travels. In a nail biting narrative set in Patagonia, Norway and Alaska, Cave tackles the severest challenges modern Alpinism can pose. Juxtaposed with the stark beauty of the environment are the colourful characters populating his stories, from the adventurers around him, past and present, to the pioneer aviators who get him and his kind to those impossibly remote places. He vividly recreates the joy and despair of climbing, building the book tTrade ReviewAn intriguing mix of travelogue, mountaineering history, geography and an affectionate portrait of the climbing fraternity * Financial Times *A skilful blend of dialogue and descriptive prose threading a narrative that captures the highs and lows of a mountaineer's existence and the environments he travels through... Plenty of action... Gripping * Climb *In Thin White Line, Andy Cave picks up the story after his epic on the north face of Changabang in which his partner was lost in an avalanche. He could have been forgiven for giving up climbing after the harrowing experience but he returns with a vengeance, climbing hard routes from Alaska to Patagonia * Daily Telegraph *Andy Cave's compelling autobiography is, like Joe Simpson's Touching the Void, a gripping book on mountaineering that will appeal even to those who didn't know they were interested in climbing * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisBouldering Colorado is the first single-volume guide to one of the worldâs premier bouldering destinations.

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Book SynopsisDetails the lives and accomplishments of influential climbers. Aimed at all climbing enthusiasts, this book profiles nine of the world's best young climbers in their own words and through conversations with their peers, to create an intimate portrait, revealing their personalities, drive, passion, openness and intimacy.Table of ContentsThe following is a list of climbers profiled within Vertical World. Foreword by Pete Takeda, Senior Contributing Editor to Rock & Ice Beth Rodden, 25, from Davis, CA: First American woman to establish a 5.14b (The Optimist, Smith Rock, OR). Chris Sharma, 24, from Santa Cruz, CA: first person to climb 5.15a (Realization, Ceuse France). Dave Graham, 24, Portland, Maine: has climbed more 5.14s than anyone else in the world, with 100+ routes under his belt. Dean Potter, 32, Yosemite, CA: first person to free climb both El Cap and Half Dome in a day. Dean also free-soloed the Supercanaleta on Fitz Roy in 6.5 hours and soloed the Compressor route on Cerro Torre in 11 hours. Jason Kehl, 27, from Maryland: unrepeated ascent of Evilution (V11) which stands 55 ft. tall, first ascent of After Midnight (V10/11, 25 ft. high) and The Fly (V13, 25 ft. high). Josh Wharton, 27, Rifle, CO: Bold ascent of The Flame in northeastern Pakistan under great odds and first ascent of the world's longest route called The Great Trango Tower in Pakistan. Lisa Rands, 28, from Bishop, CA: first American woman to climb V11 (Plain High Drifter, Buttermilks, CA). First woman to lead E8 6C (The End of the Affair, Curbar Edge, England).Steph Davis, 31, Moab, UT: Second woman, behind Lynn Hill to free climb a route on El Cap in a day (The Freerider, 5.12d/13a). Steph was also the first woman to have climbed all seven of the major peaks in Patagonia¿s Fitz Roy Range.Tommy Caldwell, 26, from Estes Park, CO: established the world's most difficult big wall free climb (The Dihedral Wall, 5.14a, El Cap, Yosemite, CA). Katie Brown, 24, from Boulder, CO: First woman to onsight both 5.13d and 5.14a (Omaha Beach, Red River Gorge, KY and Hydrophobia, Mont Sant, Spain).

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Book SynopsisFeaturing text, photos, and illustrations, this book explores the wide range of techniques required to successfully climb cracks. Starting with an overview of the unique crack types found at the world's most famous climbing areas, it covers such topics as: jamming techniques; and strategies for when and where to place protection.

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Book SynopsisHow to Rock Climb!, now in its fifth edition, is the most thorough instructional rock climbing book in the world. All the fundamentalsfrom ethics to getting up the rockare presented in John Long''s classic style. Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the modern standards of equipment, technique, and training methods, this guide includes sections on face climbing; crack climbing; ropes, anchors, and belays; getting off the rock; sport climbing; and much more. It is the essential how-to book for rock climbers everywhere.Now with more than 300 color photographs and illustrations, this is the most thorough and complete upgrade this best-selling title has seen since first publishing more than a decade ago.

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Book Synopsis- hundreds of favorite routes, many of moderate difficulty, at Tahquitz and Suide Rocks- Trivia and route history sidebars- Stunning action photos- color topo maps with detailed directions to parking areas (GPS coordinates included)Best Climbs Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks is part of FalconGuides'' Best Climbs series, appealing specifically to nonlocal climbers and locals with minimal time on their hands, all of whom seek visually appealing, to-the-point guides that filter out the very best climbs in some of America''s most popular climbing destinations, with an emphasis on moderate routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.10.

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Book SynopsisA guide to the traditional home of Lake District climbing, in close proximity to the Wastwater Hotel. It describes many fine high mountain crags in superb locations. Major crags include Kern Knotts, The Napes including Napes Needle, Tophet Wall, Gable Crag, Boat How and Pillar Rock, plus other esoteric Ennerdale Crags.

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Book SynopsisA rock climbing guidebook to the diverse mountain crags Buttermere, Newlands and the sandstone sea cliffs of St Bees in the Lake District. It is illustrated with action climbing photos and color photo diagrams, and contains historical information.

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Book SynopsisBorrowdale is probably the most beautiful valley in the Lake District and offers the rock climber a huge variety of climbing styles often in stunning panoramic settings. This 2016 Borrowdale guide from the FRCC is fully revised. The valley is divided into six areas presented with action images and clear OS based mapping

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Book SynopsisThis book covers the full 200 year history of climbing on the crags of Scafell in both summer and winter conditions, in an extensive and comprehensive manner.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBecause of the excellent photography, this is a book that will appeal to hikers, backpackers and backcountry skiers as well as those intent on summit trips.--Alaska Star If you're planning a climb in Alaska or just want to dream a bit about doing one of the big ones, this is the book to consult. Nicely designed and well-written, it covers history and climbing routes throughout the state. ---Idaho Falls Post Register

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Book SynopsisEdward Whymper is one of the most important figures in the history of mountaineering. This title lets us: visit the Zermatt valley and its peaks, passes and glaciers; experience Whymper's many attempts to climb the Matterhorn; explore the Mont Blanc region, including the ill-fated building of an observatory on the summit; and, more.

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Book SynopsisCovers the various climbs on the Isle of Portland and at Lulworth Cove. This book features sport climbs, trad routes, and deep water solos.

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Book SynopsisThe Huntsham Crag and Near Hearkening Rock provides oppurtunities for exploration of the numerous sandstone outcrops and boulders throughout the northern sector of the Forest of Dean. This work describes the many hundreds of short climbs and bouldering routes of between 5 and 12 metres on natural sandstone.

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Book SynopsisThe climbs of the South West have been split into two volumes; this, the first, covering areas close to centres of population such as the Avon Gorge, Wye Valley. and Dorset. Volume 2 has been written by Pat Littlejohn and covers Devon, Cornwall, and Jersey and will be published in the next 12 months.

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Book SynopsisThe second volume has now been published and covers the Granite of West Penwith, Dartmoor, the Channel Islands and Lundy - the guide also covers the North Cornish and North Devon coasts. Written by Pat Littlejohn with 'a little help from his friends' this new guide describes some of the most adventurous climbing to be found in the British Isles.

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Book SynopsisShows the important skills and techniques necessary for Alpine mountaineering. This DVD follows two mountaineers on a multi day trip in the Swiss Alps, and contains a range of chapters which expand upon the topics covered in the film, including: glacier travel; crevasse rescue; moving together; abseiling; ice axes; crampons; and more.

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