Editorial Review

On May 10, 1996, a paralyzing storm killed 12 climbers on Mt. Everest, disfigured many others, and put the peak back on its lofty throne. While the disaster on the South Face has received nearly all of the publicity, most notably in Jon Krakauer's Read more

Reviews (34)

Excellent! Excellent!
I didn't think I would find a book to top "Into Thin Air" and one that would take a different view of the 1996 tragedy. I could NOT put this book down. I made it last a week and didn't want it to end.Dickinson really achieves putting the reader into the story. I live under the High Sierra and have summited Mt.Whitney in Calif. Driving by that mountain that seems to shoot straight up into the sky, I remembered Dickinson's description of the Himalaya valley floors that were at 18,000 feet. I imagined the towering 14,000 foot peaks of the Sierra buried under 4,000 feet of dirt and that would be only the valley FlOOR of the Himalays with 11,000 feet to go to the summit of Everest. THEN I could visualize the unbelievable height of this mountain. THEN I could realize the effort it takes (and what it takes OUT of someone) to get to the summit. He Can't Believe He Did That...
The man who couldn't get up Mount Snowden, may in fact never even have been *on* Mount Snowden what with the rain and the dark and the half bottle of Southern Comfort, summits Everest! Talk about your missions improbable.

An excellent companion to 'Into Thin Air'
I was a bit hesitant to read The Other Side of Everest; it was beginning to seem to me that there wasn't a person anywhere near the mountain during 1996 that *hadn't* written a book.I figured this one would be a rehashing of the story we all know so well, from Into Thin Air and other books.How wrong I was.The Other Side of Everest offers a different perspective of the 1996 tragedies, but it's well told - *and* the book offers a great deal more.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dickinson, Matt    4. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    5. Journeys    6. Mountaineering    7. Mountaineering expeditions    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Travel    11. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (1)

Essential for Exploring Ecuador on Foot
Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador, 5th Edition was a real treasure of off-the-beaten track hikes and good descriptions of the more established routes.I spent several months exploring in Ecuador, staying out of the major cities.This book was great for getting to known the less known areas of Ecuador.Recommend some use of GPS and purchase topographic maps from the IGM, since none of the routes are marked, need to have good navigation skills. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. South America    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Climbing & mountaineering    5. Ecuador    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / South America    8. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (9)

Hands down the best 'Select' climbing book I've ever seen
This book is the best non comprehensive climbing guide book I have ever seen. The highlights are:
A MUST HAVE BOOK!!
Wow! Great book, color detailed photos of routes, sun/shade orientation for all routes & basically all the info that one needs to have a memorable trip in Joshua Tree.Also great to have a book that has a focus on climbs under 5.10.All in all this is the most informative climbing book I have ever purchased.Would have been happy paying twice the price I paid for it.

Confessions of a fellow climber
Okay, I confess that I've known Charlie & Diane Winger for over twenty years.What I can tell you is that they always pour their hearts and souls into their guide books, including "Highpoint Adventures (2002)" and "The Essential Guide to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (2003)."Well,this year (2004) they've done it again with their nifty "The Trad Guide to Joshua Tree."Indeed, there is simply no better guide book available for making "fun" climbs in Joshua.The excellent route photos and superb reaseach makes you long to rope up right now! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Travel    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Pacific - California    5. United States - West - Pacific (General)    6. Climbing & mountaineering   

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Sports & Recreation    3. Climbing & mountaineering    4. Photography & Photographs   

Reviews (5)

Dawson Makes You Get Off Your Duff...
... and get out to the mountains he loves. The peakbagger's best friend
Having climbed Colorado 14ers for more than 30 years, I've used all available guidebooks.First rule, remember that the info in the book is often wrong -- unless you're willing to think for yourself, avoiding mountains is the best bet. After that, to me Dawson is the best guidebook ever.Roach is good too -- it's good to have both.But in spite of the price difference, Dawson's 2 volumes are well worth it.And please, tread lightly!

Year Round Guide is Tops
I've read seemingly every 14er guide available.Much of the information overlaps as one can imagine.However, what really sets this (and the companion volume as well) one apart is the truly four season information that it provides.Louis gives you ratings for summer and snow climbs as well as ski descents.None of the other 14er guides I've read give you that.These volumes are often compared to Gerry Roach's books which are excellent in their own right.However, in my mind the information in Louis Dawson's guides is better as many of us climb in seasons other than summer! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Skiing - Alpine    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Mountain - Colorado    5. Colorado    6. Guidebooks    7. Hiking    8. Mountains    9. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (8)

redundant
Knots for Climbers has a few benefits.The basic knots are depicted in step by step procedures which is helpful for the beginning climber.Though the book is exhaustive it does give a good description of the "how to" and "why" of each knot that the book covers.Though with buying other books this one seemed very redundant because the basic knots covered in this book are also covered in other books (which contain a slew of other knots that this book doesn't cover).

Concise carry along book
Excellent book for bringing along to the rock and practicing with friends. Excellent Book
This is a great book.Simple, clear, all the knots you want to know about without random ones that you don't want.It's got good illustrations, which is key with knots, and also has pictures of those knots in use which is helpful.If you want to learn the most important, basic knots - get this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Equipment and supplies    2. Knots and splices    3. Mountaineering    4. Rock climbing    5. Safety measures    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Reviews (3)

Not for Sunday strollers
This slim volume is collection of brief essays and magazine articles thematically centered on, as the title states, Mountain Climbing as Metaphor for the Spiritual Quest. A Rarefied and Lofty Evola
Loftiness, elevation, height-a leitmotiv in all Evola's books. This work bespeaks his passion for mountain-climbing and lends itself as a metaphor for a life of striving towards increasingly higher goals. An excellentintroduction to the Italian philosopher, and a highly enjoyable read in itsown right.

Very good edition of an important book
America seems to be the country where there the translation of Evola�s works is marching on faster than anywhere else. Surprisingly this tendency started at the same time as the breakdown of the Communist superpower. Are now even Americans for a future beyond Americanism? Another leading role for the American translations in the "Inner Traditions" series is the beautifulness of the covers, the cheapness of the books, the including of an index - the only thing lacking is the bibliographic information regarding the collected articles which build this book - and much more important the quality of the translations.Guido Stucco has done a fine job again and he has shown in his preface to "The Yoga of Power" his insight into the Evolian thinking: "Evola pointed the way to a steep and solitary path that in my view is still a valid alternative to both the path of koinonia - of human fellowship, which contemporary society has been promoting for the past thirty years - and the spiritualized bourgeois individualism promoted by the New Age movement."Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Evola, Julius,    3. General    4. Meditation    5. Miscellanea    6. Mountain Climbing    7. Mountaineering    8. Mountains    9. New Age    10. Philosophy    11. Religion (Specific Aspects)    12. Religious aspects    13. Spiritual life    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Personal Transformation    15. Evola, Julius    16. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    17. Religion   

Reviews (2)

Good to Buy
I concur in the following review, and so should you:
Superb info on knots and ropes!
This is the best book on knots for climbers available! It's also great for hikers and boaters. There is a lot of information on rope materials and construction (not just climbing ropes but all that are used outdoors). It also has a useful chapter on rope handling, from coiling to tossing, to help prevent tangles. And the selection of knots is large but not overwhelming, with helpful tips on why (or why not) to use a particular knot. Good photos and detailed written instructions make it easy to learn the knots (some knot books are rather confusing). This should be required reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Climbing knots    2. Mountaineering    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Outdoor life    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (10)

Best Whitney guide available
The author, Paul Richins, Jr., starts off this excellent back country guide with a brief introduction to the region, some cautionary commentary, and some real world common sense recommendations on what, and what not to bring on your trip(s).He then describes useage of the book and proceeds to detail the various routes. He covers the basics of getting to the trailheads, details various legs of the routes with common stops and starts and points out areas of risk where appropriate.Unlike other reviewers, I found his approach to be accurate on the trails I am familiar with, but I would caution anyone attempting these trips to thoroughly map out their trek using the most current topographic maps available.
Let's Climb NOW!
Excellent book - material presented in a totally unbiased and honest way. No sugar coating! Should be required reading before you are issued a wilderness permit. Thanks!

Lots of options
I actually purchased this book after I summitted Mt. Whitney.I wished I had found it ahead of time.Lots of great information.I had no idea how many trail heads there are.We backpacked on our trip and used the Main Mt. Whitney Trail, but I would really like to try out some of the other trails Paul suggests.Even if you don't plan to go all the way to the top of Whitney, many of the trails described in this book would be wonderful day or backpacking adventures.I found the Appendix information very useful, too, particularly the food and gear suggestions.The facts and figures section made me fully appreciate the accomplishment of reaching the summit, especially when I discovered that only 1/3 of all hikers reach the top.My only disappointments with the book are that I wish there were color photographs and more information about Mt. Whitney itself (such as history and factoids).Otherwise, this is an extremely practical guide for preparing and planning a trip to the tallest peak in the continental U. S. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Mountaineering    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Travel - United States    8. United States - Pacific - California    9. Whitney, Mount    10. Whitney, Mount (Calif.)    11. Travel & holiday guides    12. USA    13. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Editorial Review

In his second memoir, climber Joe Simpson reveals a lifetime of flirtation with danger, from risky childhood stunts to an astonishing number of near-death climbing accidents. Simpson revisits his many brushes with death while climbing: a 2,000-foot fall in the Courtes, the collapse of a bivy ledge on the Dru, a 150-foot fall on Nepal's Pachermo, and his nearly fatal climb in the Andes, covered in his Boardman Tasker Award-winner, Read more

Reviews (15)

Fear is the Key
From Simpson's introduction to this book we realize that it is perhaps fear, and overcoming fear and the accompanying exhiliration that drives him. Or is it? A thoroughly enjoyable read
Although the story is not as dramatic as his "Touching the Void", the writing style is better and Joe gives us an inside on his life and his climbing. He is honest and and paints a colourful portrait of his life and encouters with danger. His story includes a funny cast of climbers who share the same lifestyle and sport. Good reading
This is a delightful book.Not that the writer's more well-known TOUCHING THE VOID is badly written; it isn't, and it remians on my short list of the best mountaineering/adventure books I've read. But in THIS GAME OF GHOSTSSimpson stretches out more fully, more autobiographically (is that a wrod?)in an attempt to explain (to himself, to the reader) what it is aboutclimbing that is so attractive, so essential to his existence.While he ishonest almost to a fault, Simpson is smart enough to not fall (no punintended) into the cliches and pseudo-mystical parrot talk that waters downan awful lot of mountaineering lit.For Simpson, there is no short,definitive answer as to why he is drawn to steep, icy mountain walls.Onthe other hand, the whole book is an answer to this question, which heposes, dismisses, returns to, and obliquely answers over and over.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Essays    4. Great Britain    5. Mountaineering    6. Mountaineers    7. Simpson, Joe    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General   

Reviews (9)

Another fine book by Joe Simpson
Joe Simpson is consistent in delivering high quality writing in his books, which are always hard to put down.Simpson questions here his passion and drive for his sport, and how fatigue, close calls, and fears have begun to take their toll.Not just for mountaneers, anyone involved in a sport that threatens to cross the thin line between thrill and death can relate to it.Thanks Joe!

Up the Nordwand!
The Eiger Nordwand comes to life as Joe Simpson describes the attempts he and Ray Delaney made on it in 2001.At the time, this route was the big item on the tick list Simpson had worked up as his fortieth birthday loomed and he considered retiring from serious climbing.Simpson's writing and climbing are bold, clean, and done. Touching the Void, is a single story, whereas The Beckoning Silence is a set of stories and ruminations - on climbing, on danger, and on aging.Simpson seems to have been of the "Live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse" school of living.As he hit forty, he discovered his body no longer seemed indestructible and he saw very competent friends get killed.The phrase "wrong place, wrong time" recurs in this book.Time to move to Plan B, cut the hazard, and figure how to live to a sedate old age.
A Very Good Read
I've enjoyed every one of Simpson's books that I've read. It's hard to say why -- maybe it's because his books seem more personal than others or maybe it's because his books tend to ramble in a personal way that cover a lot of ground -- from personal to philosophical and then to the side of the mountain. At any rate, this book starts with a climb in the Andes and a near call with a collapsing serac and Simpson's increasing sense of his own mortality. For some people, this would be called a mid-life crisis and Simpson explores the impact of this realization on his own endeavors. Unlike other people, though, Simpson decides to climb the classic route up the North Face of the Eiger. As he prepares for the climb, he reflects on some of the historic efforts in the 1930s -- and then as he details his climb, he relates the stops and efforts to the history. In fact, he revels in the history as he ticks off some of the stops on the route. I get the sense that we haven't heard the last of Simpson yet.
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Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Mountaineering    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports - General   

Reviews (6)

Excellent book on this sport
I get acrophobia just from standing on a deep-pile carpet, so this isn't something I'm ever going to do myself, but I still found it interesting to read about it. I think the people who do this are some of the bravest people I know (as well as probably being completely nuts. :-)). Just looking at some of the pictures showing climbers going up almost featureless, smooth, sheer walls along a little crack set my heart to pounding a little bit. A little bit about a lot of topics
This book gives a little bit of information about a lot of different topics. Therefore, you may find a tidbit here or there that adds to your knowledge. However, because the book covers so many topics, the amount of in depth detail is very limited. For this reason, rather than getting this book, I would prefer to spend my money getting more specialized books on specific climbing topics rather than trying to get a little bit about everything from this book. If this is the only advanced climbing book you are going to buy and your experienced friends can fill in the blanks, then it would be a good introductory book for you.

The book I recommend
I am a professional climber/guide with over 25 years of experience, and I am an owner of a climbing guide service in Moab Utah. While there are many good climbing "how to" books on the market, I heartily recommend this book to all of my friends and clients over all others. Read more

Subjects:  1. Mountaineering    2. Rock climbing    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Climbing & mountaineering    6. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Reviews (5)

Perfect forthe classroom, as well as On-The-Ropes...
Tom Vines is the training officer at Carbon County Sheriff's Search and Rescue in Red Lodge, Montana. Steve Hudson is President of Pigeon Mountain Industries, Inc., and Deputy Director, Walker County Emergency Management in Lafayette, Georgia. Together these two experts have created an instructional text that can be read profitably by anyone, whether a beginner or an experienced rope jockey. Every chapter is fully illustrated, teaching skills step-by-step in an instructional style that works in the classroom as well as on the side of a cliff. Quizzes at the end of each chapter help hone your skills, and answers, provided at the back of the book, allow you to check your knowledge.

GREAT INSTRUCTION
This book is a great one for those who are interested in persuing high/steep angle rescue.It serves as an excellent guide and is illustrated with easy to understand pictures and comments.I would recommend this book to anyone that is or will be a student or become involved in any techinical rescue team/situation.

Lots of good info!!
This is a great book for somebody already involved in rescue work wanting to go the next step.It has lots of great info and good pictures.It takes some background knowledge to go through it with ease but in the case that you do not have that background it walks you through everything step by step.Under no circumstances does this book take the place of the instructor but it does make a great addition to the class.I highly suggest this book for anybody who is going to actively participate in high angle rescue work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Emergency Medical Services    2. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    3. General    4. Medical    5. Medical / Nursing    6. Mountaineering    7. Ambulance & rescue services    8. First aid & paramedical services    9. Medical / Allied Health Services / Emergency Medical Services   

Editorial Review

The author of Read more

Reviews (18)

Truly about ethics on the Mountain
I truly enjoyed reading Joe Simpson's book.Finally..you read about what one really see's on Everest and no hold's barred!If you want to know what one has to "step over" on the mountain..read this book..if you want to read about what one see's on the south col..then read this book...a great read!

Well written, somewhat unfocused
This is a well written book and can be recommended, although there is little here that will be unfamiliar to readers of John Krakauer's "Into Thin Air", or any of the other myriad of books on the 1996 Everest disaster.
ETHICS IN THE MOUNTAINS...
Joe Simpson writes from the heart. He is clearly a man, as well as a mountaineer, of conscience. It is about time someone put into words, what many people are undoubtedly thinking. He explores the ethics of some of the bad behavior being exhibited today by some so called mountaineers. While the writing may be a little choppy at times, his message is a powerful one.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Great Britain    3. Mountaineering    4. Mountaineers    5. Professional ethics    6. Simpson, Joe    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Adventure   

Reviews (21)

Woman to Woman
Arlene Blum's new book, Breaking Trail, is a book for everyone interested in the experience of high peak mountaineering--plenty of thrills and chills for those who stayed up all night reading Into Thin Air or Touching the Void like I did.However, there is one huge difference with this book--its written with a tenderness of narratorial voice I have not seen in other, more macho mountaineering books.Here, the high peaks
Inspiring
Arlene inspires, particularly women, through a candid sharing of her life experiences. We often gage what can be done by looking at the world around us to see what is being done by others. Blum shows that sometimes, against the odds, we have to break our own trail and make of our lives what we most want of them, regardless of those outside pressures to do otherwise. I found a great many of her experiences gave me insight and increased strength to do the things I need to do in my own life. Not only does the book connect through her honest sharing, but it inspires with her failures and triumphs.We are all human, and we must all break our own trails. There are times we will all be required to stand bravely before the fates.

Feel the energy.Feel the peace.Touch the mountains.
Just finished Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life this weekend. The chapters on Arlene's childhood memories evoke the child in all of us. Arlene gives a woman's point of view of the beauty and sorrow on the mountains. Thanks to the author for taking us on a wonderful journey.
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Subjects:  1. 1945-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Blum, Arlene,    7. General    8. Mountain Climbing    9. Mountaineering    10. United States    11. Women    12. Women mountaineers    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: sport    15. Climbing & mountaineering   

Reviews (4)

Wonderful off-trail hiking in the Sierra
This book is the ideal companion for everyone who likes walking off-trail on uneven terrain with a heavy pack. We used it last summer to hike a section of "the high route" (from devils postpile to tuolumne meadows) and it was so marvelous, we are going back this summer for another section. Roper gives exactly the amount of indications needed for a successful trip, although some experience in off-trail mountain-hiking is required. The high route is not trivial, even if no technical climbing is involved. The only thing: for most people it doesn't matter to have a single connected route. It would be nice to have other (shorter) routes in the same style, which are not necessarily connected. Maybe in another book? I don't know of anything comparable.

Great book for the strong willed
My girlfriend and I recently took some of Ropers advice on a Mt. Conness Loop 5 day hike in Yosemite.It was an increadible trip.Roper gives just enough hints to get you there but few enough to make it still feel like exploring.Be advised however when he referes a section of your hike as 'adventurous' or 'exciting' he means it.We pushed ourselves to the physical and mental limit on this trip.

practical guide to an undescribable experience
This book outlines a magnificent experience following an off-trail, higher version of the Muir Trail through the High Sierra.We have followed most of Roper's route over several years:sometimes we thought we were lost oroverwhelmed, but it always turned out fine, and usually excellent.Hetreads a fine line between complete instructions that would allow nomistakes, and an experience that gives the hiker their own opportunity forroute-finding, discovery, and growth.This is one of our favorite books,and we keep an intact copy plus another one torn apart for each journey andsometimes given away to people met along the way who need it.We stilltravel the trail some of the time, but genuinely value this alternativefarther away from the crowds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Backpacking    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Sierra Nevada (Calif. and Nev    5. Sierra Nevada (Calif. and Nev.)    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. United States - Midwest - West North Central (General)    9. United States - Pacific - California    10. Climbing & mountaineering    11. North Central & Mid-West states    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Reviews (2)

Great Book
An excellent Denali guide if you're thinking about several route choices to research. Very good but only in imperial units
This book is definitely very good, with lot of useful information necessary for any expedition to Denali. It gives very good overview of all routes and potential hazards. Problem I have is that all of the numeric information is in imperial units ONLY. I understand that Alaska is part of US(since it is both from Russia in 1867) where the imperial system is predominant (but not official since Dec. 25th 1975 by "Metric Conversion Act"). It is true that most of the English speaking counties are familiar with imperial units, but it is true that English is mostly spread second language on the planet.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Guidebooks    3. McKinley, Mount    4. McKinley, Mount (Alaska)    5. Mountaineering    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Climbing & mountaineering    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. USA   

Subjects:  1. California    2. Guidebooks    3. Hiking    4. Mountaineering    5. Nevada    6. Special Interest - Adventure    7. Travel    8. United States - West - Pacific (General)   

Editorial Review

Before the 1996 Everest disaster made that mountain synonymous with tragedy at 8,000 meters,there was K2. More technical in most routes than Everest, the world's second-highest peak is consideredthe ultimate achievement by many mountaineers. In 1986 K2 claimed the lives of 13 climbers in ninedifferent parties attempting its summit. Author Jim Curran was on the mountain during the ordeal, andthrough narrative and photographs, Curran documents the sagas of success, failure, and tragedy in a fatefulyear that captured the world's attention. Alongside the terror of avalanches, crevasses, and horrific stormsare stories of bravery and the indomitable human spirit. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great Information for K2 Climbs
As a fellow mountaineer interested in climbing the mountain myself, I found the information in this book very helpful. It is a solid piece of mountaineering literature with something for every adventure enthusiast. If you are thirsting for high country adventure epics like this one (albeit on a much smaller scale), you should also explore "Rocky Mountain Adventure Collection", also available at Amazon.com.

A very engaging read
Ten years before the 1996 climbing disaster on Mt. Everest, 13 people died on the world's 2nd highest mountain -- and far greater climbing challenge -- K2. Although this book isn't as dramatic or well written as Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air, it's still an excellent book full of true to life adventure and tragedy.
The title says it all -- and Heartfelt Account
Aside from being a great account of the tragic 1986 season at K2, Curran's book has the quality of masterfully weaving the author's sense of humor with his deeply felt emotions about lost friends.Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. General    3. K2 (Mountain)    4. K2 (Pakistan : Mountain)    5. Mountaineering    6. Nature    7. Pakistan    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Travel    10. Climbing & mountaineering    11. Travel / Adventure    12. Travel writing   

Reviews (2)

Great book
I have always been fascinated with those who climb Mt. Everest.This is such a great down to earth book.You feel as though you are along for the climb and how very difficult it is.I thoroughly enjoyed it.

To Stay the Course
Despite many obstacles, Flynn stays the course and is able to provide a detailed account of his Everest climb.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Biography    3. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    4. General    5. Mountain Climbing    6. Mountaineering    7. Mountaineering expeditions    8. Mountaineers    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Non-Classifiable