Posts
There have been a rash of new mountaineering books coming from Patagonia publishing....and Chamonix photographers recently. (Take a look @ Alpine Exposures) Haven't seen or read them all but had some time to read again this week. And found a treasure here!
The name Kelly Cordes is likely known for hard climbing, margaritas and his writing.
Cordes' most recent "The Tower" showed up the other day. Being the critical literary scholar that I am, (huge roll of eyes here) of course I looked at the nice color photos first. Then I got sucked into a chapter that caught my eye. An hour later I was hooked, rope, tools, pack and tent. That surprised me! It is not often I get caught up in or even simply interested by a climbing story these days.
I grew up reading Messner's work, stories of Maestri, Mountain Magazine and having over the years met many of the characters in this book. Generally I detest books where I actually know the climbers being discussed or quoted. And to be honest never really enjoyed much of Cordes' previous writings.
I really enjoyed the skill and diplomicy that Cordes showed writing "The Tower". I've got a fairly extensive mountaineering library. "The Tower" is not only a great historical perspective on Patagonia but a wonderful read on the current climbing environment and excitement there as well.
Going to Patagonia? Gone there in the past? Or just interested in the history of Patagonia and the climbing there?
"The Tower" by Kelly Cordes is one, if not the best modern mountaineering book I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. Careful though. This is a book that is not easy to sit down. Sad part is, the book does has an ending.
A great read is truly a treasure. Gotta say thanks to the author for this one!
"The Tower"
By Kelly Cordes
Patagonia Books
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tower-Chronicle-Climbing-Controversy/dp/1938340337
2 comments:
I know what you mean about most mountaineering books. In my view Greg Crouch's Enduring Patagonia is the classic of the genre. Now you've uncovered another fantastic book inspired by the same fantastic area. I might just come out of my mountain literature retirement to read it.
Hey Gavin, it is a good read. Wife and I were laughing this morning. Been awhile since I've felt compelled to write a book report @ O dark thirty ;-)
Post a Comment