Conrad Kain: Letters from a Wandering Mountain Guide, 1906-1933

by Conrad Kain, Chic Scott (Foreword), Zac Robinson (Editor)

Conrad Kain is a titan amongst climbers in Canada and is well-known in mountaineering circles all over the world. His letters to Amelie Malek-a life-long friend-offer a candid view into the deepest thoughts of the Austrian mountain guide, and are a perfect complement to his autobiography, Where the Clouds Can Go. The 144 letters provide a unique and personal view of what it meant to immigrate to Canada in the early part of the twentieth century. Kain's letters are ordered chronologically with annotations, keeping the sections in English untouched, while those in German have been carefully translated. Historians and mountain culture enthusiasts worldwide will appreciate Kain's genius for description, his passion for nature, his opinions, and his musings about his life.

512 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2014

Reviews

[John Talisker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most amazing thing about this book is how it reveals the inner mind and soul of a great man, mountain guide, traveler, and adventurer, as well as an important historical figure on opening the Canadian West. I was deeply impressed. Conrad Kain man who must not only have been physically and mentally tough to an extraordinary extent but also an intelligent and philosophical man who thought deeply about nature and the meaning of life, sometimes nearly succumbing to fits of depression and loneliness.

His letter to Amelie, a woman he obviously loved, and deeply, were often especially moving, despite the fact we only see his half of the correspondence. Our modern minds often wonder why didn't drop everything to marry him; she apparently loved him too. Then again, they had the continent separating, then World War, then the Great Depression, to say nothing of class differences that perhaps separated them even more.

I saw Conrad's larger than life photo in a Bugaboos Hut many years ago, and I wish I had had this book at the time to lend valuable perspective.

A great book - a classic that should be read in our schools from now on. Wonderfully annotated by Zac Robinson.

[Bill Leach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This set of letters from Kain span much of his life. While much of the content is chit-chat, parts provide insight to his personality. His love of nature and the outdoors are particularly prominent. Much detail on life in the mountains, including clothing, transportation, camps and climbing technique.