Customer Reviews

Fifty Favorite Climbs: The Ultimate North American Tick List

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

50FC is a terrific book about climbing, but it really plays to a much broader audience. Its about climbing and specific ascents, but then climbing and ascents are really about a whole lot more. The book has absolutely killer photos, clear maps laying out the technical aspects of each ascent, portraits and profiles of the individual climbers, and very readable discussion about each particular climb and climber being profiled. The various chapters are each a separate world, laying out the geography of climbing and the broad differences between one face and another, as unique as the characters and personalities involved. The author is a climber who took a number of the photos himself, so this is told from the POV of someone who knows what climbing is about, but not in a condescending way (no pun). Kroese writes clearly, so that anyone can get excited about what's happening up above. I have never climbed, which is what makes 50FC even more intriguing. Its about 50 distinct challenges, and the different ways people plan and conquer those challenges. The methods and process draw a good parallel to any sport, or even business. An inspiring view of high-altitude acheivement. A great book to give someone as a gift. But keep a copy for yourself.

I just got my copy of Fifty Favorite Climbs in the mail. What a book! Much to the dislike of my family, I read it cover to cover over the weekend. After reading it, I am so inspired to climb and explore. The book profiles 50 elite climbers and describes their all time favorite mountain and rock climbs. The author does an exceptional job at capturing the personality of each climber, and then tells a wonderful story that explains why the climb is such a favorite.

The book is also BEAUTIFUL. It includes over 150 color photos, and not just shots taken by the author. Most are from renowned outdoor photographers. This is a unique book and a great gift idea for anyone with an interest in rock climbing and mountaineering.

Fifty Favorite Climbs is simply outstanding! Imagine the mountaineering marvel, "50 Classic Climbs" combined with intriguing biographies on 50 notable climbers of today, all tied together with compelling writing and outstanding photography. As one who has and dragged his camera all over Yosemite, the Cascades, Smith Rock, etc. since the 70's, I can tell you that the photography alone makes this book a must have.

Clear my calendar! I'm fired up and going climbing!

One more book for armchair climbers. It's a good book, but it's basically useless to the real weekend warriors. With the noted exception of Lynn Hill and 2 or 3 others, all the climbers in this book are offering routes that are way beyonb the ability of the average climber. Yes, they are professional climbers, and yes, they want to show off their greatest achievements; so if this book will make you dream, it won't make you want to get up and follow in their footsteps !

I ordered this book being a newcomer to the climbing world looking for some knowledge and history to this lifestyle i find myself immersed in. well let me tell you this book will inspire you to go out and climb until you cant climb anymore! all i can think about is climbing now!
buy it, read it, go climb!

After reading this book several times, my enthusiasm for it just continues to grow. This book is one of the most monumental assets to mountaineering since "The White Spider, The Story of the North Face of the Eiger." It raises the bar on climbing levels and performance to such heights that even experienced mountain climbers will get shivers reading some of the stories. It exposes a cross section of the best climbers in Amercia while telling stories of their favorite ascents. Anyone who enjoys mountaineering books or adventure books will consider this a asset to their library, and it is so readable that anyone who picks it up will have trouble putting it down. What a book! 5 Stars..