Issue 6. December 2000
'Everest' By Rienhold Messner.Published by Baton Wicks. Hardback.276pp. 37 colour plates. ISBN1-898573-45-X
This is an updated paperback edition of Messner's classic account of his ascent of Everest with Peter Habeler in 1978. The first without the use of bottled oxygen, a truly historic climb, that changed the shape and direction of high altitude mountaineering. It has been translated into English by Audrey Salkeld and has been updated with a chronicle of ascents up to 1997. Much of the character of the book and the sense of immediacy and drama come from the dialogue passages reconstructed from taped conversations and recorded impressions. What is remarkable is how much of Messner's approach lies in the direct historical path of the great pioneers such as Howard Somervell and E. F. Norton who believed that men who trained and acclimatised properly could reach the summit without oxygen, and who had reached great heights in testing this theory. For this edition Messner has added two prefaces reflecting on how this magnificent mountain has been turned into a consumer article for which all you need is enough money. This story of climbing "by fair means" is his reminder of how it could and should be.
'The Climbers Handbook' By Garth Hattingh.Published by New Holland. Paperback. 160pp. 48 Colour photos.ISBN 1-85974-674-8. There has been a plethora of books giving advice about how to climb. There is only a limited number of ways of describing such tutorial information and it is hard to imagine a new book in the genre which can offer anything different. But this book does it, and does it well. I particularly liked Garth's book because it emphasised the adventurous nature of mountaineering throughout and placed modern climbing in context with its history. There's also more than enough information to get you started whether your game is bouldering, sport climbing or big mountains, with excellent, clear illustrations; but most of all, the photos are amongst the most stunning and inspirational I have seen in any climbing book for many years. There would be no better Xmas present for a young climber interested in trying the sport.
Interactive Map Explorer CD Rom.Published by Ordnance Survey.There's only one way to learn map reading and navigation properly. Take a map and compass and get out there and practice. Right? However, you'll still need a book, or someone experienced to show you the basics. This CD Rom is another source to learn the basics from, and you can leave the youngsters to sit at the computer and get on with it. You get the disc, a 'romer', and a map (of mid-Wales), but you provide your own compass. The first pleasing thing is that the program runs directly from the disc. There's no tedious installation or altering your computer's settings. It runs through a complete course, with 3 young people shown in short videos considering what they need to know before going on a trip. There are lessons covering everything from how maps are compiled, to explaining direction and how to work out where you are on a map. There is text, animated diagrams, maps, photos, videos and interactive games. In particular, there are exercises on screen and on the map on the use of the compass.
This is well produced and well structured, although it's slightly haphazard when trying to go back over a section. It's certainly a more useful buy than the latest Tomb Raider adventure.
The Munros CD Rom edited by Donald Bennet.Published by SMT. Version 1.1, issued 2000, ISBN 0-907521-58-4
Kevin Howett
"High Achiever - The Life and Climbs of Chris Bonington"
Published by Constable. Hardback. 264pp. 42 B&W plates. |
This is the upgraded version of the original Munros CD, incorporating a number of improved features, chiefly the dramatic flybys giving eagle-eye views of the Scottish Threethousanders. It is hard to think of anything the hillgoer needs which is not included, except for the bacon roll before setting off for the hills. I particularly like the stunning photographs and the spoken pronunciations for the Gaelic hillnames. Monoglots now have no excuse for their butchery of the language of the angels and henceforth "cheesecakes, loony bins, biddy yans and madge dens" will be subject to summary justice. I have already wasted many hill days struggling to complete Dave Hewitt's maddening quiz. I wouldn't last long with Anne Robinson or Tarrant. This is a big programme and needs a computer with a fair bit of welly, 20 MB hard disc space, 16 MB RAM (double for Windows 98 or NT) and at least Windows 95. It would make the perfect present for any walker on the Scottish Hills. Are you listening, Santa?
There can be few better-known names in Mountaineering around the world than Sir Christian Bonington. Chris has succeeded in becoming as household a name as David Beckham. Chris's achievements in the mountains are astounding and have already been well documented in his own writings, but Jim Curran by writing this biography in his usual flamboyant, factual and interest grabbing manner has succeeded in delivering the less well known side to Chris, a side which may even surprise a few people. Through-out the book are some great black and white shots which have been complemented at the start of each chapter by some magic pencil sketch drawings of mountains and relevant aspects of Chris' life. High Achiever is a read which will give you an insight into the life of a climber whose drive, enthusiasm and love for the mountains even to this day is an inspiration to us all.
More superb photography from Dave 'Cubby' Cuthbertson of both summer and winter climbing really capturing the essence of Scotland. All grades of climb are represented and at the end of the year you can always cut the photos out and frame them for your wall for lasting inspiration.
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