Thrilling first-hand accounts by those who conquered the world's great mountain peaks. First Ascent takes readers back to a time when there were many mountains yet to be climbed. Using first-hand accounts and archival photographs; it tells the exciting history of world mountaineering by describing in vivid detail the first ascents of the most daunting peaks. At the same time; it reveals the development of climbing styles and climbing technology. Covering every main mountain range in the world; these pioneering ascents include classic mountaineering; rock climbing; unassisted climbing; big-wall climbing; ice climbing and clean climbing. Tragedy and victory are equal partners in these gripping real-life adventures. First Ascent includes the 24 most challenging ascents dating from 1865 to 2005. Among them are: The first ascent of Everest; in 1865; which claimed three lives Beatrice Tomasson's 1902 climb of the Marmolada south face American climber Layton Kor's ascent of the spectacular Utah Towers The first ascent of the north face of North Twin in the Canadian Rockies; one of history's greatest climbs The first free climb of Yosemite's El Capitan; as recently as the 1990s. Climbers; outdoor enthusiasts and would-be adventurers will enjoy these exhilarating true stories told by the climbers and accompanied by thrilling photos taken along the way.
#660553 in Books 2016-10-17Original language:English 9.00 x .27 x 6.00l; #File Name: 1539568067106 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A WONDERFUL BOOK BY A MODEST BUT HEROIC YOUNG MANBy TexanneIf you were a young man from Minnesota right before WWII; you might have been this young man. He describes himself as “not a heroâ€. But; I disagree.He voluntarily goes to Britain to join the RAF. He does this at a time when it was possible that he might lose his US citizenship by joining the RAF. He did it anyway. He did it because he believed it was the right thing to do. He did it because he believed Britain was about to be invaded by Germany. He did it because he is a heroic young man.This is not a fast and furious description of air battles. But it is a story of what life was like at that place and at that time. What life was like while the country was being bombed. Most of all; what life was like living among people he admired very much.If you are someone who enjoys reading personal history of WWII; you will like this book very much. I liked it very much.This is a true story which is written with the honesty of a modest but very heroic man.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I simply cannot recommend this book enoughBy Mr. L. D. NewvellThis book is a contemporaneous account of life in England during the blitz and the experiences of an American pilot flying with the RAF. The memories are amazingly detailed; making even the quiet spots highly interesting. I simply cannot recommend this book enough. If you have an interest in aviation during the 2nd World War; also the meticulous record keeping of the RAF versus the blatant German propaganda output; you will get something out of this book. If you never realized there were American (among other nationalities) pilots flying for the RAF before the US entered the war; read this book and be enlightened! These young men were nothing short of heroic.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Impressive young manBy KenGordonSome young Americans were much braver than most of their leaders. A young pilot goes to England to fight America's war before we were forced to fight as a nation. Anyone looking for "shoot 'em macho warrior" stories will not find one here; but you will find a truly sincere American hero who admits to being scared and uncertain but willing to defend Britain against a truly evil foe. Volunteer at 20 and dead at 22. War can be long periods of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror. A 21-gun salute to a real hero!
