Customer Reviews

Caverns Measureless to Man

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Sheck's book delves deep into what drives people to pursue an activity that most "sane" people shudder even to think about. Written by the one individual who was recognized as the finest cave diver in the world, he has both the experience and breadth of knowledge to write a truly superlative text on cave diving. Included in his narrative is a history of cave diving, related by one who helped set much of it. During his life, Sheck helped set the standards for safe cave diving, and was responsible for pushing many of the limits of the sport. In fact, many of those barriers he broke still stand as records or significant milestones. With the publication of this book, Sheck, even after his unfortuanate, untimely death, continues to contribute to an endeavor that epitomizes the nature of man... the curiosity, drive, and willingness to explore the environment in which he lives, even though the price of that knowledge may be death. If you are interested in caves, diving, or just man's willingness to explore, this book is a "must read."

You probably found this page because you're interested in cave diving, but any diver would be hard pressed to dislike it. This book neither sells or discourages the idea of learning to cave dive, but it more than adequately describes the unbridled fear of a diver in deep and well-deserved trouble, and that same diver's survival and subsequent development of accepted safety techniques. Sheck Exley will probably never be challenged as the world's greatest cave diver. Read the work of others at the pinnacle of this sport, and you will become convinced that the world lost something when Exley died.

I read this book from front to back in about 4 days. It was a very enjoyable read and very hard to put down. Exley did a very good job describing the early years of cave diving and how it evolved to it's present state circa 1993.
I didn't want the book to end, for I knew that one more turned page was one step closer to the end of Exley's life.
I have read many books on diving-The Last Dive, Submerged, The Cave Divers, Final Descent, etc.- and I have to say that Caverns... was one of the more descriptive,better moving books of all that I have read. It was fascinating to read about all of the research, preperation and logistics that went into Exley's record setting dives. I also found it interesting to read about Exley's incredible luck through 20 plus years of diving. Of all the envelope pushing that was a part of cave diving and deep diving's infancy it was very apparent that Exley was incredibly lucky to not die or get seriously bent in his record breaking pursuits. Others around him, even partners, seemed to succum to the deep while Exley remained unscathed. Incredible luck or Incredible talent? Probably a lot of both.
What needs to be written now is an addendum to the book that discusses Exleys fatal dive at Mante and how and why it happened.
One thing is for certain, had Exley not lived, many of the safety measures that are a part of everyday life for a scuba diver would not have been invented. We scuba divers, won't fully realise the contribution that Exley made until we read this book.
A Great book, a keeper to be re-read many times.

Sheck Exley is without a doubt the best cavediverin the world, probably unchallened in that title. Here we are invited into his world to share in his unharnessed thrill of the dive. You are welcomed to see through his eyes the beauty of what awaits. Many of todays standards in cave diving were set by Exley he has set many records that today stand still unchallenged. If you have the tiniest of desire to cave and explore the wonderous beauty of caverns or understand the desire of those who do, this is the book you need to read.

Sheck Exley was the premier explorer of our time. This book will allow you to join Shex on some of dives and on his outlook on life. This book is a must for all people with a desire to explore and enjoy life. I promise you will be inspired by this book!

I enjoyed this book. It's a facinating look at the early days of cave diving when the rules were being written with blood. I'm an avid diver but not a cave diver. It was startling to realize just how many of the early cave divers died in persuit of the sport. Many of Exley's friends and buddies and ultimately Exley himself died in caves. It's generally well written. At times it did seem to jump around a bit and I'd have to back track to clear up some confusion but it was a very worthwhile read none the less.

If you are a cave diver this is a must read, Major history of first time cave, and deep water diving experiences, and the foundations of Florida, and U.S., cave diving.

This was a great book.. I started my cave diving train last Nov. and it was suggested by me instructor that I read this book. Since then I have a few other book also suggest that I read this book. So finally last week I got the book. I am not a big read but was already reading a book so this one set on the shelf a few days. When I finally started reading it I was hook and finishedit in 3 days.

It is amazing the things these guys did with this early equipment. It is surprising that they didn't all die at a very young age. This is a must read for every cave diver and strong suggestion for all other divers. Or those that have any idea about becoming a cave diver.

Long out of print and very hard to obtain, it was great to see this book re-issued and available through Amazon.

This is an excellent book, well written and a great 'read'. It is an autobiographical account of the cave diving exploits of Sheck Exley, but also comprises a very good history of beginning cave diving in Florida, Mexico and some other areas. The extensive descriptions of the many Florida and Mexico caves was most appreciated - especially in light of what can be read now on various internet diving forums.

The only thing missing from the book was any mention of the WKPP (Woodville Karst Plain Project).

If you enjoy reading books about SCUBA diving, and especially about cave diving, then this book should be on your bookshelf.

-R

I always thought that I wouldn't like cave diving, until I read this book. It is well written and flows well. A nice well rounded story of cave diving. Enough to pull you in if you have even the inkling of interest in the topic.