Some are guidebooks, some are stories...do read some of both before you try it!

by Harry Kikstra (7summits.com)

At 6194 m (20,320 ft) Denali (Mt McKinley) is the highest mountain in North America. Its arctic latitude makes for extreme weather conditions and its remote location in the Alaskan wilderness means that climbing teams must be self-reliant and experienced. The book focuses on the West Buttress route used by 80-90% of climbers.

The pocket-sized guidebook provides all you need to plan and enjoy your summit attempt:

* concise advice about preparation and planning
* how to prevent and manage altitude sickness
* practical tips on load-carrying and, glacier travel and camping
* an extensive gearlist and advice on the use of sleds
* fold-out map showing the West Buttress route
* step-by-step description of the route and campsites
* 96 waterproof pages with open-flat binding
* in full colour, with over 60 photographs, some of them full page.

It is the same size as the Aconcagua pocket guide and fits in most pockets, being only 115grams/4oz and 14.5 x 11.5 x 0.8cm in size (5.7 x 4.5 x 0.3 inch). It can handle the snow you will meet on Denali without weakening the pages.

See the Denali Guidebook page for more info here.

(rating at Amazon)

From Amazon (rating):

 I met Brad Washburn last year in Boston (93 years old) and he is still going strong. This book contains some of the best mountain photographs ever made and deserves a reserved spot on you coffee table! In between the pictures is the story about climbing Denali, but every time I wanted to read it, I got caught up in the pix...

This book makes you think twice before saying the words 'Winter' & 'Denali' in one sentence...

Amazing story of courage and survival, but also a good reminder of Denali's power and therefore also a good read before you decide on a 'summer climb'.

Amazon rating, have not read it yet, but the reviewers comments made me put it in my shopping basket just now... more later

Everything you need! This updated 7th edition of the mountaineering classic is an essential reference for novices and experts alike. Chapters are devoted to in-depth discussions of outdoors fundamentals; climbing techniques for rock, snow, and ice; safety procedures and emergency response; geology and weather; and appendices for climb ratings and supplementary reading, among other topics. Detailed sections on navigation, ropes, knots, and protection include drawings, diagrams, and maps. Enjoy the freedom of the hills to the fullest with this thorough guide.

· More than 500,000 copies sold in previous editions
· Written by a team of more than 40 experts
· Fully revised to reflect evolution in mountaineering equipment and technique
· Expanded Ten Essentials list
· All 415 illustrations updated and redrawn
· New chapters on: waterfall ice climbing and mixed climbing, physical conditioning, access and land stewardship, and much more
· Now includes a glossary of climbing terms
Paperback - 528 pages 7th Rev edition (Sept 2003)
 Dimensions (in inches): 1.47 x 9.03 x 7.29

This is more a fact book than an adventure book. If you want to know ,more about Denali than just stories or want to write your own story or essay, this is your book.

I must say this book disappointed me as well, it seems that mrs Kocour might have been the most experienced in her (commercial) group, but that does not make her the expert that should write a book like this about a Denali storm... Sometimes arrogant, but the again also a reminder of possible Denali danger. Would borrow this book instead of buying it...