First Ascent

by Stephen Venables (Editor)

"Thrilling first-hand accounts by those who conquered the world's great mountain peaks." First Ascent takes readers back to a time when there were many mountains yet to be climbed. Using first-hand accounts and archival photographs, it tells the exciting history of world mountaineering by describing in vivid detail the first ascents of the most daunting peaks. At the same time, it reveals the development of climbing styles and climbing technology. Covering every main mountain range in the world, these pioneering ascents include classic mountaineering, rock climbing, unassisted climbing, big-wall climbing, ice climbing and clean climbing. Tragedy and victory are equal partners in these gripping real-life adventures. First Ascent includes the 24 most challenging ascents dating from 1865 to 2005. Among them The first ascent of Everest, in 1865, which claimed three livesBeatrice Tomasson's 1902 climb of the Marmolada south faceAmerican climber Layton Kor's ascent of the spectacular Utah TowersThe first ascent of the north face of North Twin in the Canadian Rockies, one of history's greatest climbsThe first free climb of Yosemite's El Capitan, as recently as the 1990s. Climbers, outdoor enthusiasts and would-be adventurers will enjoy these exhilarating true stories told by the climbers and accompanied by thrilling photos taken along the way.

Genres: Climbing

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very British centric for claiming to cover climbing history in general. Filled with many glaring spelling errors. Some photos lack captions. Would have given 2 stars if it weren't for the great photos.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful compendium of first ascents, rich in pictures it serves both as an interesting historical read as well as a delightful coffee table book. You can either read through it as it follows the development of climbing over the years, or dip in and out reading each ascent as a standalone story. Really enjoyable and will keep as an excellent reference book for years to come.

[Book Grocer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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An excellent overview of the development of mountaineering from late 19th Century to current day. Inspiring and interesting stories with great photos, recommended to all fans of climbing and human endurance.

Alicia, The Book Grocer

[Hilary De · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive

An excellent overview of the development of mountaineering from late 19th Century to current day. Well written and the photographs include several spectacular shots.
I would have enjoyed more detail in many of the ascents, or narratives about specific climbers, but would recommend this book to all fans of climbing and human endurance.

[David Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent telling of significant first ascents in the world of mountaineering.

[Isabel]

A+ mountain pictures

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting history of climbing. I wish it could have gone into more detail about some of the climbs.

[Manuel-Antonio Monteagudo Gauvrit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Told with passion, but badly written.