Sea, Ice and Rock

by Chris Bonington, Robin Knox-Johnston

When leading mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington was researching Quest for Adventure, his study of post-war adventure, he contacted Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world, for an interview. This simple request turned into an exchange of skills, which then grew into a joint expedition to Greenland’s unexplored Lemon Mountains. Sea, Ice and Rock is the story of this epic journey. With both Bonington and Knox-Johnston having little experience in the other’s craft, their expedition was not without difficulty. But through one another’s support, the two men and their team sailed from Britain to Greenland, going on to twice attempt the Lemon Mountain’s forbidding highest peak, the Cathedral. Though their attempts ended in a dramatic descent, this could not dampen the unfailing optimism with which the two approached their task. They recount their experiences not only with appreciation for the awe-inspiring nature that surrounded them, but also for one another. Layers of alternate narration between Bonington and Knox-Johnston make this a truly collaborative memoir. In the same way they exchanged skills on their expedition, the two authors rely on one another’s recollections to fill the gaps in their own. Full of ambition and perseverance, anyone wondering why Bonington and Knox-Johnston are masters in their fields need only read Sea, Ice and Rock.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Chris Bonington was educated at University College School, London and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He was commissioned in the Royal Tank Regiment in 1956. He spent three years in North Germany in command of a troop of tanks and then two years at the Army Outward Bound School as a mountaineering instructor.It was during this period that he started climbing in the Alps, making the first British ascent of the South West Pillar of the Drus in 1958 and then the first ascent of the Central Pillar of Freney on the south side of Mont Blanc in 1961 with Don Whillans, Ian Clough and the Pole, Jan Dlugosz. At that time this was one of the most difficult climbs in the Alps and even today is considered one of the great classics of the Mont Blanc region.He made the first British ascent of the North Wall of the Eiger in 1962.

Reviews

[Lee Belbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a serious adventure in a small yacht (that admitted, had circumnavigated the world) from England to Iceland and back with the goal to achieve a first ascent on an Iceland mountain. Probably the most remarkable/amazing things about this adventure given the difficulties and challenges were a) no injuries and b) no squabbles. Simply amazing.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collab before it was trendy.

Reading about two legends embarking on a trip like this makes you dream of doing something similar. The commentary alternates between Robin and Chris and I enjoyed their different perspectives… a climber on a boat, a sailor on a mountain… both out of their depth but positive and up for the challenge. Sailing for that period of time on a 32ft boat must have been a tight squeeze and manoeuvring between icebergs somewhat of a lottery. The actual climbing seemed all too brief, however it was an exploratory route and the vast, remote nature of eastern Greenland looked breathtaking. Their writing draws you in as you follow them over the 2 month trip and their easy going, adventurous spirit come across strongly. It’s a good read, enjoyable and inspiring in equal measure, though it's also a short volume and I would have welcomed more detail, more stories. Their adventure is a wholesome 5/5, however as a book this was a 3/5 for me.

[Manselk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how to have an adventure, two legends of exploration show that pulling together with a common goal you can have an epic journey.
They had nothing to prove, just to make it happen, which maybe for a younger pair might have proved difficult.

[T100martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the inspiration that pushed me outdoors, got me sailing, ski-touring and ice climbing. Not to the same degree as these guys, but I have some great memories of fantastic experiences.
It's easy to read books like this and think 'Lucky sods, I wish I could do that' but if you have a go, you never know who you'll meet and where it will lead.