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Ways to the Sky: A Historical Guide to North American Mountaineering
2004 Banff Mountain History Award Winner
Ways to the Sky charts the evolution of alpine climbing in the United States, Canada and Mexico from unrecorded ascents by native people centuries ago to the cutting-edge climbs of today. Rejecting a purely chronological timeline, this meticulously researched book shows the evolution of climbing style from early ascents by the easiest routes, through heavily supported expeditionary climbs, to the light, fast alpine-style climbs of major peaks occurring now.
As with its predecessors in the historical guidebook series, Ways to the Sky combines historical narrative with copious photographs -- some previously unpublished -- and route information for more than 40 historically significant routes to create a unique collector's piece. Ways to the Sky brings the rich history of North American mountain ascents to life, highlights key personalities and climbs, then points readers to the mountains where they can experience firsthand many of these historically significant routes.
Andy Selters, a long-time mountaineer, mountain guide, photographer and cartographer, has climbed extensively in North and South America and has established new routes in Pakistan and Nepal. He is the author of The Mount Shasta Book and Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue .
Ways to the Sky charts the evolution of alpine climbing in the United States, Canada and Mexico from unrecorded ascents by native people centuries ago to the cutting-edge climbs of today. Rejecting a purely chronological timeline, this meticulously researched book shows the evolution of climbing style from early ascents by the easiest routes, through heavily supported expeditionary climbs, to the light, fast alpine-style climbs of major peaks occurring now.
As with its predecessors in the historical guidebook series, Ways to the Sky combines historical narrative with copious photographs -- some previously unpublished -- and route information for more than 40 historically significant routes to create a unique collector's piece. Ways to the Sky brings the rich history of North American mountain ascents to life, highlights key personalities and climbs, then points readers to the mountains where they can experience firsthand many of these historically significant routes.
Andy Selters, a long-time mountaineer, mountain guide, photographer and cartographer, has climbed extensively in North and South America and has established new routes in Pakistan and Nepal. He is the author of The Mount Shasta Book and Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue .
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 13, 2010
Perhaps this book could more aptly be titled, "Men's ways to the sky." Though chock full of great stories and photos, it's most definitely a "his"-story book about mountaineering. I really wanted to like this book, but it reeks of passive male chauvinism.
Yes, I understand that by virtue of numbers, such mountaineering books are bound to be male dominated. But Selters insultingly leaves out Lynn Hill, Isabella Bird, and scores of other icons in the history of mountaineering (read: mountaineering, not just female mountaineering). There were a few token wives of mountaineers mentioned, but the overt exclusion of women who have contributed far more to the sport of mountaineering than the Duke of Abruzzi ever did caused this reader to put down "Ways to the Sky" at page 133 in disgust.
Yes, I understand that by virtue of numbers, such mountaineering books are bound to be male dominated. But Selters insultingly leaves out Lynn Hill, Isabella Bird, and scores of other icons in the history of mountaineering (read: mountaineering, not just female mountaineering). There were a few token wives of mountaineers mentioned, but the overt exclusion of women who have contributed far more to the sport of mountaineering than the Duke of Abruzzi ever did caused this reader to put down "Ways to the Sky" at page 133 in disgust.
May 19, 2011
While there were a few interesting stories, this reads like a very dry history book. That very well may have been the intention, so it may be good for mountaineering scholars. But not so good for me.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews