Fail Falling

by Royal Robbins

These, the first two volumes of an autobiographical series by American climbing legend Royal Robbins, document his early years of climbing. In “To Be Brave”, learn about his oppressive childhood and his first climb, an ascent from the hardships of his youth when he discovered the beauty and intensity associated with America's mountains and rock walls. In his second installment, “Fail Falling”, you can follow Robbins through his first ascents at Half Dome in 1957 and Yosemite Valley’s Sentinel Rock.

Genres: Climbing

Paperback

First published October 8, 2010

About the author

Robbins was a pioneer of American rock climbing who completed an impressive list of first ascents throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s. Many of these were in Yosemite Valley, and included major classics such as the Northwest Face of Half Dome (1957), the Salathé Wall on El Capitan (1961), the North America Wall on El Capitan (1964) and Tis-sa-ack on Half Dome (1969).

Robbins' climbing ethics were also pioneering, as he championed the cause of "clean" (i.e. hammerless) climbing in an era when the use of pitons and bolts was regarded as standard practice.

Reviews

[Eugene Miya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal has written all his autobiographical volumes for adolescents (easily readable including a simple glossary): Boy Scouts, in particular because he was one (but for Girl Scouts, too). Fail Falling was his young adulthood of climbing. I recognize some of the climbs I done at Tahquitz, and later his Yosemite and Sierra climbs (later volumes).

Royal is the undisputed father of modern big wall climbing. Salathe being the grand father of 3 major routes. This volume covers his early boldness climaxing with his first ascent of the NW Face of Half Dome.

The title is appropriate for pushing the limits of climbing to the oint of being willing to fall and get caught by the rope (which contrasts to the prior admonishion that the the lead must not fall.

Royal took a lot of flak for his early writing style, trying to be intellectual. He's trying to be a realistic role model for kids.

Year read was the year of first publication. 2012 is just a place holder here.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read of simpler times in the world of rock climbing. Royal Robbins was not only an early pioneer, he climbed with the most primitive of equipment. And he is a great storyteller. Anyone interested in early climbing big names and lore, is sure to enjoy this well told autobiography of a man who went on to start a successful business and contributed to many environmental organizations. I loved this book.

[Richard Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the Robbins Saga from his youth through the first ascent of the Northwest Face of Half Dome. Robbins is surprisingly frank in his assessment of his life, his faults, foibles and also his immense force of will. A great read.

[Manja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Triologijo o življenju Royala Robbinsa sem dobila v dar, ker delam z njegovo blagovno znamko. Plezanje kot takšno me ne zanima in o tem športu ne vem ničesar.

Svoje plezalne podvige avtor opisuje s takšnim zanosom, da si ga lahko kar predstavljam kako doživeto bi pripovedoval v živo - in posledično v svoj svet potegne tudi takšne plezalno neuke bralce kot sem sama. Drugi del triologije popelje čez nekaj v plezalnem svetu verjetno pomembnih vrhov, veliko poudarka da na takratno opremo (pozna 50. leta prejšnjega stoletja), o zasebnem življenju pa ponudi bore malo.

Knjiga se bere hitro in je za plezalne entuziaste verjetno velik užitek, jaz pa tudi nisem ravno trpela ob prebijanju čez strani.

[Neil Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Simply but clearly written, covering a key part of Robbin's climbing career from 1950 aged just 15 to 1957 when he is part of a team of three to complete the first ascent of the NW face of Half Dome in Yosemite, a magnificent 5 day effort, described in detail really well. Gripping yet not overly verbose. The development of rock climbing in California is documented really well in this book and is a must for any climbing historian. I am guessing there is more to come - El Capitan?

[Geoffrey Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely account of an adventurous youth in the 50s, happening to lead to the birth of climbing as we know it.

[Emily McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit random in places, the flow is very diary-like. If you aren't interested in climbing history, you won't like this book. But given that it's Royal Robbins, if you DO like climbing history, it will be a short, fun read.