Second Ascent: The Story of Hugh Herr

by Alison Osius

Describes how a talented rock climber survived a double amputation at seventeen to return to his chosen sport.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Adventure

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked that hugh herr was obsessed with climbing... but that after the accident and losing both his legs below the knee, he found out that it wasn't necessarily the climbing itself he was obsessed with. instead, it was the problem solving and concentration associated with climbing that he enjoyed so much, and that he was able to funnel that into so many other things. i'd venture to guess that most people's obsessions aren't necessarily really about that particular thing, even though you may not be able to imagine them doing anything else.

[Rowan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book at a consignment gear shop. Knew nothing about Hugh Herr coming into the book, coming away feeling inspired. Cool to learn about more history of early east coast climbing.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as I was starting my adaptive design journey. I loved learning about Hugh’s experience and the way he approached creating his own prosthetics!