Why I Climb: Personal Insights of Top Climbers : Robbins, Whittaker, Hill, Skinner, Bonington, Lowe, and 23 Others

by Steve Gardiner

Nearly thirty top climbers identify the attractions of climbing, and share their views on the sport of mountaineering

Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jim]

Inspirational interviews with top climbers by Steve Gardiner. The climbers interviewed are mainly American their reasons are various not merely the old cliché "because it's there". Some delight in living on the edge echoing Plato's idea that "the unrisked life is not worth living". Some are motivated by fame or the admiration of their peers. Others just enjoy being able to make a living doing what they love. Several express a wistful longing for a simpler life. The older climbers look back to a simpler age when climbing was less competitive. Reading the book imbues the reader with a desire to climb the nearest mountain.