Sherman Exposed: Slightly Censored Climbing Stories

by John Sherman

* Both brilliant and funny, John Sherman has a loyal following


* Features the best of Climbing magazine's Verm's World


* Insightful and often irreverent profiles of some of North America's best climbers





Outrageous, talented, and a force to be reckoned with, John Sherman is always willing to spout an opinion that's sure to raise eyebrows. This rowdy collection of biting satire, parody profiles, barely restrained rants, and genuine reflections on climbing's unsung heroes is no different.





Blending his juiciest Verm's World columns from Climbing magazine with previously unpublished (or, perhaps, unpublishable?) stories, Sherman pulls no punches, even on himself. From his college exploits in buildering on the Berkeley campus, to his quest for the Fab 50, to his years as a nomadic boulderer, Sherman shares the best, and the worst, he has found in the people and places he encountered along the way.





Climbers will discover valuable excuse-making techniques in The Dog Ate My Belay Plate; they will aspire to the very un-PC All Vermin Team; and they will challenge themselves with The Verm's World History Aptitude Test. Who could ask for more?

Genres: Climbing, Nonfiction

238 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Galactic Hero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good collection of climbing stories. I think Sherman's at his best when he's doing parody, especially of Mark Twight. My eyes glazed over during a few of the longer more serious pieces enumerating boulder problems throughout the US. They may have been informative at the time, but aren't that interesting now (to me anyway).

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Sherman is insane. In the best way. This collection is hilarious and entertaining, and it offers a great glimpse into the people, places, and happenings of a previous era of climbing, all through Sherman's unmatched voice and personality.

[Climbing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherman’s writing makes me chuckle. I especially love “the tale of two thimbles” and all the character profiles in part 4. A great read!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of Sherman's magazine colummns are best read as a magazine. In short doses. I love his lively and colorful language, his irreverence, and his obvious love for climbing. Yes, he's an arrogant ass at times, and proud of it. I liked reading about the places and personalities that are big in climbing lore.