This is the first and only definitive book about the free-climbing history of North America, written by Master of Rock Pat Ament. While other books have covered some of the material, there has never been as clear a chronology or as thorough, accurate, and well-researched a treatment. Ament leaves the critique and analysis to others and lets these remarkable events speak for themselves in a succinct, refreshing, and imitable style. The book includes interviews and commentary by many world-class climbers, including Royal Robbins, John Gill, Pete Cleveland, Henry Barber, John Bachar, Lynn Hill, John Long, Steve Roper, Jimmy Dunn, Dean potter, and Alan Watts. Photographs from prominent climbing photographers, such as Tom Frost, illustrate the prose and bring to life the personalities of many of these legendary climbers. Numerous climbing areas are covered, from the Adirondacks in upstate New York, to Arizona, the Pacific Northwest, Devils Lake in Wisconsin, and The Needles in South Dakota. This readable encyclopedia includes interviews, anecdotes, stories, and colorful quotes, along with funny and imaginiative writing. This is the book for newcomers to the sport as well as long-time aficionados. It will appeal to both die-hard climbers and to those who prefer adventuring in an armchair. A marvelous sense of suspense and adventure radiates from virtually every page.

The complete history of North American mountaineering from the early nineteenth century through the 1970s.

Twenty-fifth Anniversary edition of a cult classic that profoundly transformed the world of rock climbing More than 50 percent new material, including perspectives on new routes and stories about well-known climbers Includes a 16-page color insert of never before seen routes and digitally remastered images from Greg Epperson, the celebrated climbing photographer featured in the first edition of Climb!This history of Colorado's world-renowned, destination peaks will appeal to climbing enthusiasts everywhereIn 1977, well-respected climbing gurus Bob Godfrey and Dudley Chelton self-published Climb! Rock Climbing in Colorado. The first climbing book of its kind, Climb! detailed Colorado climbing history and suggested a new set of challenges for those fascinated by life on the edge. In addition, Greg Epperson's photography introduced wide-angle drama and on-rappel images. Twenty-five years later, Chelton has teamed up with former Climbing magazine photo editor and climber Jeff Achey to recapture the original book's influence and impact for a new generation of climbers. With more than 50 percent new text and a stunning 16-page color insert, Climb! takes readers through the evolution of climbing, from the first technical climbs, to the improvised free climbs of the 60s and 70s, to the sport climbing of the 80s, to the extreme climbing of the 90s. Conflicts and competitions among climbers, of which there are many, are documented here, as is the entry and accomplishments of women climbers.This book will capture fans of the original book and build a new audience, as well.

Hill describes her famous climb and meditates on how she harnesses the strength and courage to push herself to such extremes.

One afternoon in 1987, two renegade climbers in Berkeley, California, hatched an ambitious plan: under the cover of darkness, they would rappel down from a carefully scouted highway on-ramp, gluing artificial handholds onto the load-bearing concrete pillars underneath. Equipped with ingenuity, strong adhesive, and an urban guerilla attitude, Jim Thornburg and Scott Frye created a serviceable climbing wall. But what they were part of was a greater development: the expansion and reimagining of a sport now slated for a highly anticipated Olympic debut in 2020. High Drama explores rock climbing's transformation from a pursuit of select anti-establishment vagabonds to a sport embraced by competitors of all ages, social classes, and backgrounds. Climbing magazine's John Burgman weaves a multi-layered story of traditionalists and opportunists, grassroots organizers and business-minded developers, free-spirited rebels and rigorously coached athletes.

- First time in paperback Celebrated climbers Guy and Laura Waterman trace the growth of this popular sport by focusing on the first ascents of classic routes and the climbers who made them legendary: John Case on the Adirondacks' Indian Head and Wallface; Robert Underhill and Lincoln O'Brien on Cannon; Fritz Wiessner on Breakneck Ridge. More contemporary climbers Jim McCarthy, Henry Barber, Lynn Hill, and Hugh Herr are described in full detail. Ethics and style, the evolution of ice climbing, the changing role of women in climbing, and developments in technique and equipment are explored.

A dream list of the most celebrated climbing destinations in North America, each explored in depth. Climbing Rock features some of the most classic and cutting-edge climbing areas across the magnificent and the most diverse landscapes of North America. The author recommends twenty-two of the best climbing areas to be found, spanning the year's seasons: ranging from Rifle, CO, in spring, to Canada's Bugaboos in the summer, to New York's Shawangunks in the fall, to Mexico's Potrero Chico in winter. These legendary locations cover the full spectrum of climbing experiences, including masterful big-wall free-climbing on Yosemite's El Capitan; desert trad climbing at Red Rock, NV, and Indian Creek, UT; classic sport climbing in Rumney, NH, and Red River Gorge, KY; oceanside cragging in California; and bouldering in Bishop, CA, and Chattanooga, TN. François Lebeau's artful photographs uniquely capture both the stark beauty of the rock walls and the adventurous spirit of those who journey upward. Climbing Rock is the perfect book for anyone interested in climbing, from athletes of all abilities to readers who appreciate breathtaking photography of improbable physical feats across stunning North American landscapes.