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
My dad gave me this book when in my teens. I read it over and over, just brilliant.
I absolutely love this book, along with Savage Arena beautifully written accounts of incredible accomplishments by Pete and Joe.
I remember reading early on in my climbing when Himalayan big wall climbing was a totally abstract concept. Even more impressive on re-reading with some knowledge, and incredible that it waited so long for a repeat.
Thank you for reminding me of Boardman, Tasker and this book; modern day gladiators that wrote with simple but brutal honesty, this book along with Savage Arena are two of the greatest books on mountaineering I have read; although I read these books probably more than 30 years ago I still recall the writing of the descent off Changabang and a bivvy on Dunagiri (Tasker with Renshaw in Savage Arena), quite simply extraordinary achievements climbed with immense stoicism. S
Thanks for the timely reminder, will need to dust down my copy of the whole Boardman Tasker Omnibus and re-read.