Long on Adventure

by John Long

Unforgettable collection of the best of John Long's writing on adventure travel and climbing.

Genres: Climbing, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Long is an American rock climber and author.

Reviews

[Connor Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long on Adventure is one of those very rare collections of stories that makes you wonder how its author isn’t spoken of in the same breath as the great outdoorsmen and outdoor writers like John Krakauer or Bill Bryson. Jon Long clearly has a gift for turning climbing, survival, and wilderness travel into stories that feel larger than life without ever losing their authenticity. Every chapter carries the voice of someone who has lived hard, paid attention, stared death in the face and found the humour hidden inside the risk.

A fun surprise was learning that one of the stories in this collection eventually found its way to Hollywood as the basis for the Sylvester Stallone film Cliffhanger, which I had never seen put promptly consumed. I preferred the source material.

More than anything Long on Adventure left me wondering why Jon Long isn’t a household name. His work has all the ingredients of enduring adventure literature. vivid storytelling, unforgettable characters, genuine danger, and a deep affection for wild places. This is a book that deserves a much wider readership, and one that reminds you the best adventure stories don’t need embellishment when they’re told by someone who was actually there. This book inspired me to be brave, to explore, and to laugh at the notion that the preservation of one’s life’s at the cost of a mundane experience is a fools errand, and a short lived life full of risk and adventure , is much preferred to a docile but long life.

[Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim happened to pick this up clearance at REI. This is a collection of short stories of either his personal travel or adventures, or of those he knows. Some of the stories were so fantastic it was hard to believe. Though the stories were extraordinary in themselves, they were skillfully writen to draw you in. I can't wait to pick up more of his stuff

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely cannot get enough of John Long's work. The short story form is perfect, in fact, some could be expanded, but "less is more" and each & every story leaves me in awe for multiple reasons. Far beyond the adventure, courage & discovery, there is abundant spirit & soul through literally every paragraph.

I've only read two (this, and "Dirt", which features several of the same stories), I probably don't need a technical analysis of climbing, but nonetheless, I'll be digging deeper for more. I googled John, apparently he is 75 yrs old, and I hope he's still writing somehow, somewhere. So much to share, stories & prospective. A true, authentic voice.

[Pablo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventuring your thing ? These tales are about as good as they get. Well written and utterly astounding stories of an array of fascinating characters and adventures from around the world. Some being completely mind boggling and simply beyond the pale. Sit down, buckle up and let yourself just get taken away. 5 solid stars for sheer fun and a fair bit of terror!!

[L. Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

28 stories in this slim volume, each one a gem. Packed with adrenalin, humanity, and exotic adventure, the author has lived several lifetimes worth of life on the edge. Highly enjoyable.

[Galactic Hero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe at points but you know what, even if there were a few whoppers in there it made for a heck of a read. Guy's a true legend.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe 4.5 stars. John Long... how in hell the guy survived I don't know. Skill, luck, force of will all needed in spades. But cheers to surviving and putting pen to paper with eloquence and spare prose capturing so many extreme fringe personas in tight short non-fiction pieces. Further reflection, deserves the full 5 stars. Long doesn't let truth get in the way of good stories. Or..., truth could actually have been more extreme still.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mix of stories from Long's unusual experiences. His nomadic lifestyle is curious and leans toward adrenaline junkie. Good read for climbers, adventure-sport enthusiasts, and exotic travelers.

[Robin Schichtel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I had many laughs and "holy shit" moments reading these stories. I have read the book at least twice and often recommend it.

[Richard Kravitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was still climbing back in '04. John Long was always my most favorite climbing author--short story wise. The tubing in Venezuela and the "royal brisket", oh yeah!