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Books
Inspiring books about the 7 summits!
There is only one thing that comes close
to adventure: reading about it! Below you will find books we have selected,
either because we read them and think you should too, or because other people
recommended them. Please
email any additions you might have to our books department.
We have divided the books in General and Mountain specific (some are mentioned
twice), added comments and links to shops where they can be bought. Happy
reading all you (armchair) mountaineers!
Categories:
-
Kilimanjaro
- Elbrus: coming soon
-
Carstensz Pyramid
-
Denali
-
Aconcagua
- Everest: coming soon, for now, check
out the
Everest page
for books
- Vinson: coming soon
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Mountaineering Classics & Recommended by 7 summits.com! |
(back to top) |
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Seven Summits
: The Quest to Reach the Highest Point on Every Continent by Steve Bell
(Editor), Dick Bass, Pat Morrow
Great book! If you like this site, buy this book as it contains beautiful
pix, great information about the 7 summits including the debate about the 7th
summit! Amazon has lowered the prices of expensive books like these, so get it
now! (Harry)
Hardcover
- 144 pages (September 2000)
Dimensions (in inches): 0.68 x 11.77 x 9.29
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"Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man's Journey to Climb
Farther Than the Eye Can See by Erik Weihenmayer"
Erik Weihenmayer has gone where no blind man has gone before and very few men
and women with 20/20 vision will be able to follow his footsteps. This is more
than a mountaineering book: it's the life story about a child who had to grow up
with a visual handicap that put him more and more in the dark. First unwilling
to accept this fact, but later unwilling to accept society's view of blind
people.
Being a good climber he just didn't quit because of his blindness, but found
new ways of reaching the top, culminating in climbing the top of the world, Mt
Everest and becoming one of the few people who have climbed the "7 summits".
This is an amazing story about courage, and vision in more meanings of the
word. Erik has climbed Denali, Aconcagua, El Capitan and Everest amongst others.
But he also moved to a new state whilst being completely blind, trained his dog,
fell in love, got married on the top of a continent, led a fellow climber
through the dark woods and many other things you might not expect from a blind
man.
Although a close relative of mine has a blinding eye disease as well, this
book inspired myself personally to just go out and do it, whatever 'it' is for
me. Great inspiration and entertainingly written.
This new edition contains a new part about the Everest climb which was not
included in the older editions.
Book info:
Paperback: 342 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.78 x 8.38 x 5.54 ; Reissue
edition (March 26, 2002) ISBN: 0452282942
Average Customer Review:
Based on 16 reviews.
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Touching the Void: A Mountaineering Classic by Joe Simpson
Now a major movie!
"A true mountaineering classic. I have seen Joe present his story, and even
while you hear him talking your mind keeps telling you: no, this guy won't be
able to survive... Brilliant story about the will to survive, so amazing it
could not have been fiction. A definite pageturner that will not be put aside."
(Harry)
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com)
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Blind Corners: Adventures on Seven Continents
by Geoff Tabin, Edmund Hillary (foreword)
This is one of my all-time favorites; this guy is not only an explorer but a
crazy adventurer as well. Great stories about the first bungee jump and standing
on Carstensz summit without permit, but with penisgourds... (Harry)
Update: Now there is a 2nd edition! This new and extended edition contains
extra chapters about Geoff's amazing cataract surgery projects in the
Himalayas and Karakoram. Also there are new chapters about guiding, other
climbers: George Lowe & Rob Slater (in addition to the nice chapter about
Lou Reichardt) and some older chapters are updated.
Geoff shows that a life of adventure can be combined with doing great
things for others. His cataract project has changed many thousands of
people's lives, as they turned from being completely blind to seeing for a
few dollars worth of materials and strong determination of Geoff and a few
others. It's hard to say what the biggest adventure is: climbing the east
face of Everest or being bitten by a rat while operating in Pakistan without
lights, but one thing is sure: "it just doesn't get any better than this".
"Dayenu" & "Kay guarnay" are 2 themes in this book written by an eloquent
and smart pragmatic man. Just read it and find out what it means... then
head of to your next adventure..
But the best thing about this book s that it's available as it is not to be
missed by anyone who has ever felt even the tiniest spark of adventure in
his or her brain.
(Reviews of this book availableat amazon.com)
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Into Thin Air (The illustrated edition, Hardcover) by Jon Krakauer; The
classic story about the 1996 disaster from the eyewitness. This is a bestseller
and you should read it for yourself to find out why. Beware: this a definite
page turner and might cost you some sleep! (Harry)
(Tip: Buy the pocket and keep this great version for the pix (coffee table)!
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Into Thin Air (Paperback) by Jon
Krakauer. Buy it, read it to bits and lay back in your chair...
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High Exposure by David Breashears.
Brilliant book by a brilliant photographer and climber. Personal and honest
story about the Kloberdanz kid and his passions. (Harry)
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Ultimate High, my Everest Odyssey, the amazing story of
Goran Kropp (click to see some pictures of Goran with 7summits' Harry)
who cycled from Sweden to Everest and climbed it solo! Great story and
inspiration. It's unbelievable what he has done and given up to accomplish his
dreams. If you ever get the chance, visit his lectures, it's impressive and
hilarious at the same time (Harry)
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7 Summits by Dick Bass & Frank Wells with Rick Ridgeway
This is the book that started it all and it is a great one. No it's not just
two rich men buying themselves to the 7 summits, it's about men with a vision
and the persistence to follow through. Read it before you judge, this is truly
one of the 20th century mountaineering classics. It will help you with your
dreams. (Harry)
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com)
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White Spider : The Classic Account of the Ascent of the Eiger
by Heinrich Harrer, Hugh Merrick (Translator)
(Amazon rating:
)
Classic mountaineering writing of the ascent of the Eiger shows that a
mountain doesn't have to be high to be dangerous. Great story, written before
leaving to Tibet (for 7 years...). If you can find it, read "I come from the
stone age" as well (see
Carstensz) (Harry)
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To Everest via Antarctica by Robert Mads Anderson
Great stories from a great man. Gives new meaning to solo climbing and is an
amazing read. Read about cooking habits, soloing the difficult routes and
more...(Harry)
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com)
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Mountaineering : The Freedom of the Hills
by Don Graydon (Editor), Kurt Hanson (Editor), MountaineersSociety
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
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Dark
Shadows Falling
by Joe Simpson; The author of
Touching the Void
interweaves stories of his own mountaineering adventures with reflective
consideration of recent tragedies on the world's loftiest peaks. As more people
take to the mountains--many of them amateurs and dilettantes who can afford to
hire guides of varying levels of expertise--the odds of disaster loom ever
higher. Simpson weighs in on "summit fever," the treatment of local sherpas, and
what he sees as unimaginative "yak routes" up the once-grand mountains.
Amazon rating:
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Five years in Tibet:
Running a Hotel on the Roof of the World...
by Alec Le Sueur. This is an amazing book about the the guy sent out to manage
the Lhasa holiday Inn. Not a climbing book, but a perfect mix between Fawlty
Towers-like situations in communist Tibet and sharp cultural observations. Laugh
and weep while reading about dead guests, the spam song and the destruction of
Tibethan culture. This is one of my favorite books and everyone who has borrowed
it agreed (Harry).
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Kilimanjaro |
(back to top) |
The
most
famous
book
about
the
Kilimanjaro
is
Hemingway's
Snows
of
the
Kilimanjaro,
but
more
useful
is
the
lonely
planet's
trekking
guide
to
east
Africa
and
the
Kili
and
mt
Kenya
climbing
and
trekking
guide...
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Kilimanjaro;
to
the
roof
of
Africa,
by
Audrey
Salkeld
and
David
Breashears
Although
the
IMax
movie
is
not
available
everywhere
in
the
world,
the
book
is,
and
it's
of
amazing
beauty!
Kilimanjaro
is
the
highest
point
of
Africa
and
therefore
one
of
the
"7
summits".
But
even
without
this
statistical
feature
it
is
a
place
you
should
have
visited
to
know
what
others
mean
when
they
call
it
a
great
place...
Well
David
Breashears
(know
from
the
Everest
IMAX
and
his
book)
has
shot
a
new
IMAX
film
on
Kilimanjaro
and
this
is
the
accompanying
book.
Much
information
about
the
historic
exploration
of
Eastern
Africa
and
it's
majestic
summit;
geological
and
biological
contributions
mixed
with
full
page
pictures
and
the
trip
report
of
the
climb
along
the
scenic
Machame/Mweka
route
(with
a
variation
through
the
Western
breach).
Kilimanjaro
rises
almost
5000m
above
the
plains
and
offer
climatic
zones
from
the
savannah
to
alpine
glaciers,
although
the
latter
are
melting
quickly
due
to
the
global
warming.
Unique
flora
and
fauna
on
the
border
of
Tanzania
and
Kenya.
'Kili'
is
one
of
the
treasures
of
our
earth
and
this
book
shows
why.
Too
heavy
for
your
backpack,
but
not
to
be
missed
on
your
coffeetable.
Click
here
to
buy
the
book
at
Amazon,
now
only
$28
instead
of
$40!
Hardcover:
31
pages
;
Dimensions
(in
inches):
0.90
x
11.86
x
9.72
Publisher:
National
Geographic
Society;
ISBN:
0792264665;
(April
2002)
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Kilimanjaro
& Mount Kenya: A Climbing and Trekking Guide by Cameron
M. BurnsFrom
Amazon
(rating):
"Pre-trip
planning,
finding
and
hiring
outfitters,
and
thorough
information
on
dozens
of
trails
are
included
in
this
comprehensive
guide
to
the
30
top
climbing
and
trekking
routes
on
Mount
Kilimanjaro
and
her
sister
peak,
Mount
Kenya
color
insert.
30
b&w
photos."
(note
from
7
summits:
one
reviewer
thought
that
book
was
biased
toward
author,
else
it
would
have
been
a
rating)
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Trekking in East Africa by David
Else.
From
Amazon
(rating):
"Here
is
comprehensive
information
on
the
classic
treks
of
Kilimanjaro,
Mt.
Kenya,
and
the
Rwenzoris,
as
well
as
lesser-known
hikes
in
the
Sugutu
Valley,
the
Crater
Highlands,
and
the
Mulanje
Massif.
The
guide
comes
with
advice
for
independent
trekkers
and
those
on
organized
trips
and
a
section
on
Swahili
color,
32
maps."
(note
from
7summits:
I
used
this,
it
is
an
excellent
guide
to
make
a
more
complete
Africa
trip,
besides
just
climbing
Kili)
|
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The
Shadow
of
Kilimanjaro
:
On
Foot
Across
East
Africa
by
Rick
Ridgeway.
From
Amazon
:(rating)
"Starting
at
the
top
of
Mount
Kilimanjaro
and
ending
at
the
Indian
Ocean,
Ridgeway's
aim
during
this
adventure
is
less
to
get
there
and
more
to
be
there.
During
his
weeks
on
foot,
he
thoughtfully
considers
the
effects
of
colonial
expansion
on
Africa's
indigenous
peoples,
its
landscape,
and
its
awe-inspiring
animals--all
the
while
contemplating
with
a
conservationist's
heart
Africa's
uncertain
future."
--Kathryn
True
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Kilimanjaro
Adventure by Hal Streckert,
From
Amazon
(rating):
"You're
planning
a
outdoor
adventure.
You
go
to
your
local
outdoor
equipment
store,
or
sign
on
to
the
Internet.
You
browse
through
maps
and
atlases,
"how-to"
books,
and
photojournalist
accounts.
But
what
you
want
is
a
lay-person
account
of
someone
that's
done
it
before.
Kilimanjaro
Adventure
is
that
book.
Hal
Streckert
has
taken
his
desire
to
climb
Kilimanjaro
and
not
only
recorded
the
quantitative
(travel
agencies,
vaccinations,
exercise
regimens
and
hiking
paths),
but
also
thoughtfully
documented
insights,
reactions,
and
the
history
behind
the
adventure."
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The
Snows
of
Kilimanjaro
:
And
Other
Stories
by
Ernest
Hemingway.
Classic
literature
and
great
reading;
(From
Amazon
rating):
"The
Snows
of
Kilimanjaro
and
Other
Stories
contains
ten
of
Hemingway's
most
acclaimed
and
popular
works
of
short
fiction.
Selected
from
Winner
Take
Nothing,
Men
Without
Women,
and
The
Fifth
Column
and
the
First
Forty-Nine
Stories,
this
collection
includes
"The
Killers,"
the
first
of
Hemingway's
mature
stories
to
be
accepted
by
an
American
periodical
(...)"
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Explore Mount Kilimanjaro
(Rucksack
Reader)
by
Jacquetta
Megarry.
(Amazon
rating):
- Spiral-bound:
64
pages
;
Dimensions
(in
inches):
0.25
x
8.50
x
5.75
A
Spiral
bound,
easy
to
read
thin
book
about
Kili's
main
routes:
Machame
&
Marangu.
The new 3rd edition has the nice and relatively easy and quiet Rongai
route added for the same price! This
guide can
help
you
enjoy
your
preparation
and
actual
climb.
Contains
info
on
AMS, flora/fauna, climbing Mt Meru as
well,
with
many
colourpix amd clear overview maps printed on waterproof paper.
The
book
is
handy,
can
be
tucked
away
easily;
it
has
all
the
basic
info
you
need
for
a
safe
ascent
for
inexperienced
climbers.
If Amazon does not ship the 3rd edition, you can also order it directly from
the
publisher/author's website.
“Colourful, concise and comprehensive: this is the book I'll be taking up
Kili with me.” Chris Bonington
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|
Denali |
(back to top) |
Some
are
guidebooks,
some
are
stories...do
read
some
of
both
before
you
try
it!
|
|
Denali's
West Buttress: A Climber's Guide to Mount McKinley's Classic
Route
By Colby
Combs, photography by Bradford
Washburn;
the
ultimate
guide
to
the
normal
Route!
Before,
during
and
after
climbing
the
West
Buttress
(normal)
route,
this
was
my
bible.
Don't
leave
home
without
it!
(rating
at
Amazon)
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|
Denali
Climbing Guide
by
R.
J.
Secor
contains
all
the
possible
Denali
routes
you
can
think
of,
with
some
general
info,
For
experienced
Denali
climbers
who
want
more
than
the
West
Buttress.
Contains
B&W
photos
and
sketches.
From
Amazon
(rating):
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|
Mount
McKinley: The Conquest of Denali by Bradford Washburn &
David Roberts,
(rating
at
Amazon.)
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...
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|
Minus
148 Degrees: The First Winter Ascent of Mt. McKinley by Art
Davidson
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'.
|
|
In
the Shadow of Denali: Life and Death on Alaska's Mount
McKinley by Jonathan Waterman
Amazon
rating,
have
not
read
it
yet,
but
the
reviewers
comments
made
me
put
it
in
my
shopping
basket
just
now...
more
later
|
|
Mountaineering : The Freedom of the Hills
by Don Graydon (Editor), Kurt Hanson (Editor), MountaineersSociety
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
|
|
To
the Top of Denali: Climbing Adventures on North America's Highest
Peak by Bill Sherwonit.
(Amazon
rating)
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.
|
|
Atlas & outdoor recreation guide to Alaska This
is
the
only
collection
of
detailed
topographic
maps
covering
all
of
Alaska!
When
you
want
to
drive
the
Alaska
highway
or
do
some
hikes,
you
will
need
maps
like
these.
|
|
In
Denali: A Photographic Essay of Denali National Park &
Preserve, Alaska by Kim Heacox
No
reviews
available,
but
it
is
really
hard
to
not
make
nice
pictures
in
this
area,
so
it's
probably
worth
it
;-}
|
|
Mount
McKinley: Icy Crown of North America by Fred
Beckey
|
No
pix,
no
review
|
High
Alaska: A Historical Guide to Denali, Mount Foraker, and Mount
Hunter by Jonathan Waterman
(pictures
by
Bradford
Washburn)
|
No
pix,
no
review
|
Surviving
Denali: A Study of Accidents on Mount McKinley 1903-1990 by
Jonathan Waterman
|
|
Facing
the Extreme: One Woman's Story of True Courage, Death-Defying
Survival, and Her Quest for the Summit by Ruth Ann Kocour
and Michael Hodgson
Amazon
review:
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...
|
No
pix,
no
review
|
Mt.
McKinley: The Pioneer Climbs by Terris Moore
|
No
pix,
no
review
|
To
the Top of the Continent by Frederick A.
Cook
90th
(from
Amazon:)"Anniversary
reprint
edition
of
Cook's
account
of
the
first
ascent
of
Mt.
McKinley
in
1906.
The
first
to
circumnavagate
McKinley
in
1903,
Cook's
claim
would
later
be
rejected
by
many,
but
in
1994
an
expedition
followed
his
route
and
determined
that
he
had
been
where
he
described
in
his
1907
first
edition.
Contributions
and
maps
by
the
1994
Ruth
Glacier
Expedition
and
new
photos
along
with
the
first
publication
of
Cook's
diary
and
index."
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|
Aconcagua |
(back to top) |
There
were
not
many useful
books
about
Aconcagua,
That's why Harry Kikstra of 7summits.com wrote a practical guide. Secor's book offers an over view of more technical routes.
There
are
also
a
few
videos/DVD's
on
the
market,
check
out
the
Video
page.
|
|
Aconcagua, Summit of South America,
by Harry Kikstra (7summits.com)
Aconcagua is the first of the new Rucksack Pocket Summits series: 96 pages
(105x145 mm) with wraparound map flap, open-flat binding and waterproof paper.
Of the seven continental summits, Aconcagua (at 6962 m/22,840 ft) lies second
only to Everest. Yet it is surprisingly free of snow and ice, and experienced
hikers can reach the roof of the Americas without technical expertise. However,
it is one of the world’s highest and toughest treks.
Author Harry Kikstra from 7summits.com has summited twice, and explains in
detail how to tackle the main trekking routes (Normal and Polish Traverse), as
well as giving a useful summary on the technical Polish Glacier route. This
pocket-sized book contains all you need to plan and enjoy your summit attempt:
- concise advice from an expert about preparation, planning and choosing your
gear
- detailed information about altitude effects and sickness, and how to
monitor and prevent them
- fold-out map showing the routes, also enlargement of summit area
- 96 waterproof pages with open-flat binding
- in full colour, with 60 photographs.
You can buy it at amazon.com, click here: Aconcagua (Rucksack Pocket Summits)
See more info about the book including some sample Chapters in PDF format here.
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Aconcagua:
A Climbing Guide by R.J. Secor
Don't
leave
home
without
it!
Mr.
Secor
has
written
several
mountaineering
'bibles,
including
Denali,
Mexican
Volcanoes
and
this
one.
It
contains
info
on
27
routes
(!),
although
most
info
is
very
concise.
Still
the
best
way
to
prepare
though.
Including
sketched
maps,
and
lots
of
practical
info
(average
Amazon
review:)
|
Aconcagua:
The Stone Sentinel by Taplin.
|
The
book
is
out
print.
Has
anyone
read
it?
Please
give
me
feedback!
Marc
Gibbens
sent
us
the
following
report:
"As
for
the
book,
I
was
disappointed.
I
am
going
by
a
different
route
and
was
just
looking
for
some
insight
into
the
mountain.
What
I
got
was
a
read
on
a
dysfunctional
climb
with
people
who
had
unrealistic
expectations
of
the
mountain
based
on
their
training
and
experience.
The
book
narrates
through
each
person
of
the
climb
giving
their
thoughts
as
they
go
along
at
each
point
of
the
climb.
The
book
never
really
gets
into
the
mountain,
the
history,
or
what
it
takes
to
climb
such
a
high
mountain.
It
is
really
just
a
bunch
of
people
complaining
about
one
another.
I
will
try
and
put
something
together
for
the
website
soon
as
I
am
just
very
busy
right
now
preparing
for
my
trip,
but
to
be
honest,
I
could
of
used
my
reading
time
better
in
regards
to
the
trip."
|
"Aconcagua:Guia Practica
de ascensiones y trekkings" by Heber Orona
|
(Desnivel Ediciones, 2002)
Have not read it myself, anuone with a copy? Apparently although
in Spanish it has excellent graphics info and good route
descriptions.
|
|
Carstensz Pyramid |
(back to top) |
There
are
few
books
about
this
mountain,
at
least
no
guidebooks;
but
there
are
several
interesting
travel
stories. |
|
- Dr
A.H.
Colijn:
Naar
de
eeuwige
sneeuw
van
tropisch
Nederland,
(Dutch,
no
translation,
1933
(?),
286
pages).
The
story
about
the
first
expedition
to
the
mountains;
great
pictures
and
even
a
map
and
vocabulary!
|
|
- Heinrich
Harrer:
Ich
komme
aus
der
Steinzeit
,
(German,
translated
as:
I
come
from
the
stone
age
(1963),
256
pages)
out
of
print,
but
well
worth
searching
for!
|
|
- Bart
Vos:
op
zoek
naar
het
sneeuwgebergte.
(Dutch,
1988)
This
is
an
excellent
book
describing
the
three
attempts
Bart
had
to
make
before
reaching
the
mountain.
Not
reaching
the
summit,
that
was
relatively
easy,
but
the
Freeport
mine,
the
army
and
other
bureaucratic
structures
kept
him
from
scaling it
he
first
and
second
time
as
he
was
removed
befor
reaching
the
mountain.
No
pictures
and
no
English
translation.
Bart
Vos
was
the
first
Dutchman
to
reach
the
top
of
Everest
in
the
80's.
|
|
- Periplus
Adventure
guides:
Irian
Jaya/
Indonesian
New
Guinea:
travel
guide
with
useful
info
and
great
pictures.
For
sale
at
the
major
Indonesian
airports.
|
Order
these
at
Amazon:
|
|
|
5
stars
at
Amazon!
More
general,
but
interesting
reading
material,
especially
if
you
want
to
do
more
than
just
climbing.
|
|
|
|
-
Throwim
Way
Leg
:
Tree-Kangaroos,
Possums,
and
Penis
Gourds-On
the
Track
of
Unknown
Mammals
in
Wildest
New
Guinea
by
Tim
F.
Flannery:
Australia-based
mammologist-raconteur
Tim
Flannery
recalls
scientific
expeditions
in
the
wilds
of
New
Guinea
that
convey
both
the
thrill
of
discovery
and
the
negotiations
necessary
to
bridge
huge
clashes
of
cultures.
A
world
expert
on
New
Guinea's
fauna,
Flannery
has
discovered
20
new
species
during
his
two
decades
of
research.
Yet
his
ability
to
convey
unalloyed
adventure
in
his
taletelling
makes
these
scientific
expeditions
read
more
like
hair-raising,
funky
Redmond
O'Hanlon-style
travels
than
disciplined,
scholarly
field
trips.
Energy
and
danger
run
high;
Amazon
rating:
|
|
|
|
Have
not
read
it
myself,
but
the
comments
from
Amazon
readers
don't
make
it
sound
very
appealing...
maybe
for
the
collector
(1
star)
|
|
|
Instruction and health |
(back to top) |
|
Below are books that can help in preparing for
your trip; we recommend to get good training and courses as well though! Please
read
the disclaimer
as well. |
|
Mountaineering : The
Freedom of the Hills
by Don Graydon (Editor), Kurt Hanson (Editor), MountaineersSociety
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
|
|
International Mountain Rescue Book by Hamis MacInnes. Since its first
appearance in1972, this has been the standard handbook of rescue teams
throughout the world. Now updated to include the latest techniques and
developments, this profusely illustrated masterwork covers all aspects of
equipment, rescue dogs, snow structure, avalanche search, technical rescue
techniques, radio and location devices, helicopters--every critical element of
modern search and rescue. International mountaineer Hamish MacInnes has been a
world authority on mountain rescue for four decades; his pioneering rescue
techniques are standard practice throughout the world |
|
Extreme Alpinism : Climbing Light, Fast and high
by Mark F. Twight (Editor), James Martin (Author)The them of the book is that most mountaineering gear is not being
used. "The goal is to use everything you packed in and not need anything else.
If you are prepared the right way than a lighter pack will be safer.";
"I found that it presents a philosophy not just of climbing, but of life--a
philosophy that I share. "The mind and body adapt to both comfort and
deprivation." How true! This one sentence applies to every sport, every activity
of life, including the daily routines of life itself (for those of us with
routine lives). Very inspiring book"
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|
Medicine for Mountaineering & Other Wilderness Activities edited by James
Wilkerson
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com)
Beyond first aid, this is the medical bibles for backcountry adventurers.
Written by a team of climber/physicians and considered the authoritative
reference on backcountry medicine. Any trip into remote territory calls for
earnest planning and foresight, including preparing for the possibility of
illness or injury
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|
Altitude Illness: Prevention and Treatment by Stephen Bezruchka, M.D.from amazon:
"This is a wonderful, well written and well organized little book, sized to
travel with its owner. One should read this book before climbing or trekking
above 7,000 feet (2,000 meters). It could save one's life. Full of valuable
information, It explains what altitude sickness is, and advises the reader on
how to prevent it. It also provides treatment information for the various types
of altitude illnesses to which one may fall prey. This is a must have book for
anyone who wants to stay healthy while scaling new heights.
|
|
Avalanche Aware: Safe Travel in Avalanche Terrain (Falcon Guide) by John Moynier. In Avalanche Aware, veteran backcountry ski
guide and avalanche forecaster John Moynier deftly guides you through the basics
of how avalanches work, recognizing avalanche terrain, and testing the snow
pack-before you venture onto unstable ground. Helpful black-and-white
illustrations of proper gear, slope angle, snow pit tests, and the effects of
wind and weather accompany his witty, informative explanations of how to avoid
avalanche hazard. No book on avalanche safety would be complete without a
description of search methods in the event of an unexpected slide, and Moynier's
helpful explanations of how to go about finding a lost friend will give you
extra confidence when you tackle the slopes. |
|
Avalanche Handbook by David McClung. Skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and anyone
else who travels in the mountains should be aware of the awesome destructive
power of avalanches and the conditions that cause them. The Handbook is a
comprehensive guide to avoiding such a calamity of snow and ice--and how to
improve your chances of survival if you're caught in one. With a combination of
science and practical advice, the authors explain how avalanches happen, how to
test a slope for slide potential, and how to navigate in avalanche-prone areas
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com) |
|
Beyond Risk: Conversations with Climbers by Nicholas O'Connell: "Like most books, this one began with
a question: why do people climb? Why do they risk injury and death to sit on top
of a pile of rock and snow? The answers turned out to be fascinatingly diverse,
but all of those I interviewed agreed that personal and spiritual transformation
was a large part of their motivation. This was the unifying element in the book.
I interviewed climbers of different specialties--ice, rock, high altitude--and
those of vastly different ages--"
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com) |
|
Knots & Ropes for Climbers
Detailed illustrations and instructions for tying over 30 climbing
knots; Guidelines on when and when not to use each knot Expert tips on the
selection, care, and handling of climbing ropes Knots, like life, are slippery
devils, says Duane Raleigh. One wrong turn and the whole thing can fall apart on
you. Fortunately, as Raleigh demonstrates in Knots & Ropes for Climbers, we are
able to practice the knots. Step-by-step diagrams and easy-to-follow directions
explain the how-to's of knot tying, as well as the characteristics and uses for
each knot. Rope maintenance is also explained in detail, as are the best methods
of packing, unpacking, and transporting ropes. Written in an entertaining style,
this guide to the fundamentals of rope tying and care will help climbers and
outdoor enthusiasts of any level appreciate the importance of safe, practiced
ropework. |
|
The Climber's Handbook by Garth Hattingh A practical handbook for all types of
climbing, this book features 300 illustrations of techniques, equipment, and
locations, plus famous climbers and their feats. From a reader: "This handbook
is exceptionally readable. It contains a comprehensive dictionary of terms,
tools, and techniques. The format is easy to follow. The graphics for tying
knots and using the various climbing aids are clear and understandable. The
photographs are excellent."
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com) |
|
Gentle Expeditions; A Guide to Ethical Mountain Adventure by Bob
McConnell
$10, Paperback - 117 pages (February 1997) Amer Alpine Club; ISBN: 093041067X
; Dimensions (in inches): 0.42 x 6.51 x 4.52
|
|
Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue by Andy Selters. The bible of glacier travel; The Herald -
Everett, WA: "Nothing is better than taking a class at the glacier, or learning
one-on-one from an expert, but GLACIER is the next best thing."
Back Country Magazine "This superb primer is now larger and sports new photos
and excellent drawings that illustrate the technical aspects of travel in
glacier country."
(Reviews of this book available at amazon.com)
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