At the Mercy of the Mountains: True Stories of Survival and Tragedy in New York's Adirondacks (Perfect Paperback)

by Peter Bronski (Author)
Key Phrases: incident command, trail register, snowmobile track, High Peaks, New York, Marcy Dam (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For every hiker, climber or canoeist who gets into trouble, there are thousands more who don't. Peter Bronski's compelling account of misadventures in the Adirondacks is a necessary corrective for those who go into the mountains unwary of the dangers." --Jim Wickwire, author of Addicted to Danger: A Memoir About Affirming Life in the Face of Death and the first American to summit K2

 

"In this compelling book, award-winning adventure writer and former Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue team member Peter Bronski chronicles true stories of survival and tragedy, from famous historical cases during the early twentieth century to modern tales of harrowing struggle in the mountains and wilderness. Extensively researched, these gripping tales pull together historical accounts, firsthand interviews, previously untold stories, and expert analysis to retrace each misadventure.

 

More than just a recounting of tragedy in the wilderness, At the Mercy of the Mountains is an affirmation of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity and an insight into why misadventure happens in the first place—and how to avoid it. It is a must-read for hikers, climbers, paddlers, armchair travelers—anyone who loves great tales of adventure."  --Associated Press

Product Description

In the tradition of Eiger Dreams, In the Zone: Epic Survival Stories from the Mountaineering World, and Not Without Peril, comes a new book that examines the thrills and perils of outdoor adventure in the “East’s greatest wilderness,” the Adirondacks.

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Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (February 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599213044
• ISBN-13: 978-1599213040
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,041 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Travel > United States > States > New York > Adirondacks
  #12 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Ecology > Mountains
  #53 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Survival Skills

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Outstanding Read! , March 2, 2008

By	K. Burl "ADKRD" (Glens Falls, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Definitely one of the best books I've read on the Adirondacks.

Having just completed climbing all the 46 Adirondack High Peaks in the past year I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. It is well researched, well written and the stories are retold in such a way that keep you on the edge of your seat.

I really had a difficult time putting this book down as I read about many mishaps in areas in the "Daks" that I had personally "discovered" having passed through just recently- these areas will be well-know to those who frequent this still somewhat rugged wilderness.

Not only was the book entertaining but educational. One can always learn from other's mistakes thus minimizing a repeat of such tragedies or risky situations. It certainly pushes home the idea that safety should never be compromised when venturing out into any mountains or wilderness.

This book will be a big hit amoung those not familar with the region as well as those who love the Adirondacks. Anyone who enjoys mountaineering and adventure tales involving tragedy or survival will enjoy & benefit.

I can see this book selling like "hotcakes" once word gets around about its availability.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Classic!, August 6, 2008

By	Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Peter Bronski's collection of survival stories is riveting. Beginning with an introduction discussing the unique history and characteristics that are the Adirondacks, Bronski sets the tone for some amazing and harrowing true stories.

The infamous 1995 `blowdown' (derecho) is witnessed by several campers, where tornado-like microburst combined with thousands of lightning strikes terrifies the region. The storm leaves campers stranded in a mix of tangled trees piled like matchsticks. Four young men on a winter hiking trip suddenly experience a fast regional thaw and watch as several feet of snow turn to slush, suddenly flooding their lean-to and leaving them to hike over treacherous lakes and rivers that can't hold their weight. An experienced pilot and his wife crash their small plane into a mountainside, barely surviving, only to find themselves miles from nowhere.

These are just some of the stories that the author brings to life, some old and some recent. The most striking aspect this collection is the emphasis on search and rescue (SAR) in conjunction with the survivors ordeals. There are numerous missing persons mentioned over the years, some found and some lost forever. Instead of dwelling on morbid or gory descriptions, Bronksi focuses on the survivors and those that risk their lives to save others. Sometimes remnants of a lost hiker are found years later. Sometimes the family never gives up the search. This book is an instant classic and a must read for any outdoor enthusiast, especially if they travel in the Adirondacks.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At the Mercy of the Mountains, April 5, 2008

By	David M. Lilienthal - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was aware, at least in part,of most of these stories
but didn't know the details. The author made these historic
events come alive.
Great book.
DML 4/5/08