-- Relied on by expert and beginning climbers for more than fifty years-- Teaches climbers what not to do
This annual investigative handbook offers detailed reports on more than eighty climbing accidents that occurred in the United States and Canada in 2000. Produced jointly by the Safety Committees of the American Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada, Accidents analyzes what went wrong in each situation to give experienced and beginning mountaineers the opportunity to learn from other climbers' mistakes. From climbers with inadequate protection, clothing, or equipment to those who suffered from a lack of experience, made errors in judgment, or overreached their abilities, the mistakes recorded in this book offer invaluable safety lessons for all climbers.
This is the second book in this annual series I have read. I don't have much different to say about this edition. If you are a climber, especially one who climbs in North America, I imagine these books would be required reading. It presents details and analysis of all the climbing accidents that result in injury or worse. They aren't written to entertain or - needless to say - amuse, though occasionally there is a report that does just that. Mostly they are straightforward reports on accidents with just a touch of wry comment at times. As someone who does not climb but who has read dozens of books on the subject, it is interesting to me in the alternate viewpoint it gives, as opposed to the more personal books by or about mountaineers and/or expeditions. I have two more to read before I will have to decide whether to buy more!