American Rock: Region, Rock, and Culture in American Climbing

by Don Mellor

The book Lynn Hill called "the first and only book to look at American climbing as a whole." American Rock is a celebration of the diversity of American rock climbing and an authoritative history of how the sport evolved at dozens of climbing hotspots around the country. The United States offers rock climbers a greater variety of geologic environments than any other country in the world. In recent years the sport has exploded and American climbers, once isolated from each other, now cross the country in search of new rock, sharing techniques, equipment, and information. In this thoughtful history and overview, veteran climber Mellor celebrates a dazzling mosaic of American geologic regions and the distinct climbing styles they have engendered. The rock, regions, and styles he explores Adirondack and White Mountain granite; Shawangunk conglomerate; the fragile red sandstone in the desert Southwest; western big-wall climbing on stark white walls of Sierra granite; steep walls and overhanging sandstone in the Southeast; and high-altitude mountaineering in the Rockies, Tetons, and Cascades. Mellor also chronicles the rich history and vibrant personalities of the climbing scene, and explores the meaning behind ongoing debates over access, techniques, and equipment. 42 black & white photographs, index.

Genres: Climbing

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fantastic for anyone interested in a light history and some of the feel of various climbing areas around the country. If you’re not a climber, though, I’m not sure how much you’d get out of it, and there are certainly more in-depth histories for the specific areas. It fits nicely into the set of books that make me feel like I’m a part of something - the value of community and such.

[jackie]

pretty good so far, but couldn't finish it before i had to return it to the library. =/

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but I'm not sure people who are not interested in climbing would get much out of it. Great background for my climbing history project for City of Rocks.

[Isabel]

This book makes you want to head for the hills (or, cliffs).