Literature Mountain Literature Classics: Scrambles Amongst the Alps by Edward Whymper
The engravings may be better than the writing, but with its blend of triumph and tragedy, the story of Whymper's five-year campaign for the first ascent of the Matterhorn is one of mountain climbing's defining narratives, says Ronald Turnbull.
Comments
I'm really appreciating this series, thanks for digging these out Ronald. And I love your phrase:
to cut delicate steps up the untrodden, avalanche-prone terrain of a Victorian gentleman who is "expressing his emotions"
Thanks for that but could I ask why the drop down menu under the heading 'Articles' doesn't include literature & so no direct link to https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/literature/ ? Its not listed under the 'latest articles' link either.
A beautifully written review as always. I haven’t read Scrambles in the Alps - now I will!
One of my favourite classic mountaineering books. Beautifully written, and perhaps even better written than 'Scrambles Amongst the Alps', which still remains the greatest of all.
The ending of 'Scrambles Amongst the Alps' remains the greatest paragraph ever written about climbing. Its wisdom is undimmed, even 150 years later. Be warned - it will break your heart.
Mick