Frank Smythe: The Six Alpine/Himalayan Climbing Books

"Smythe was the author of twenty-seven books, which were immensely popular. Here six are republished, covering the highlights of his climbing between 1920 and 1939." "Climbs and Ski Runs. Smythe's early climbs and ski-mountaineering, Clogwyn Du'r Arddu probes, winter in the Oberland, Corsica ascents, climbs on the Chamonix Aiguilles and in the Dolomites, a stormy traverse of the Aig, Blanche, and finally the Red Sentinel and Route Major on the Brenva." "The Kangchenjunga Adventure. An international attempt on the world's third highest peak with an approach through Nepal (one of the earliest expeditions to enter this country). The ice avalanche and Chettan's death was, for Smythe, a shocking event. The ascent of Jonsong Peak (24,344 ft.) and other ascents, inspired by Erwin Schneider, offered a more appealing alternative to risky assaults on the greatest peaks." "Kamet Conquered. A title accepted reluctantly by the author who rejected the idea of "conquest" in mountaineering. An account of the rapid but exacting ascent of the highest peak to be climbed by 1931 and the Arwa Valley exploration." "Camp Six. One of the best Everest accounts. After a tenacious build up during difficult weather a very high final camp was placed and two summit bids launched. Smythe describes his precarious solo push, where a good chance to success was lost when Shipton was unable to continue." "The Valley of Flowers. An outstanding Himalayan climbing and exploratory season, coupled with collecting high-altitude alpine plants. The original climbing pictures appearing in a later mountain photography book. With text and action photos now combined the status of this fine trip becomes clear with first ascents of Mana Peak, Deoban and Nilgiri Parbat and attempts on Rataban, Dunagiri and Nilkanta." "Mountaineering Holiday. An account of the planning, patience, humility and opportunism required to complete a successful alpine season. The book ends with a taut description of climbing Mont Blanc's Innominata Ridge, with four German climbers, in the last days before World War II."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved