The High Lonesome: Epic Solo Climbing Stories [Paperback]

John Long (Author)

Book Description

Series: Adventure | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

Epic solo climbing stories that carry the reader to the world's great mountain ranges in pursuit of the ultimate climbing experience.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Solo climbing means climbing alone. It's the ultimate high-stakes highwire act, and the bottom line is clear and final: you fall, you die. But what attracts people to this lonely, seemingly insane pursuit? The answers might be found in this collection of epic solo climbing stories. Famous climber and noted soloist John Long's introductions and commentary help shed light on the inner workings of these uniquely gifted adventurers, and the stories themselves carry the reader to the world's great mountain ranges in pursuit of the ultimate climbing experience.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Falcon; 1st edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156044858X
• ISBN-13: 978-1560448587
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #794,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Travel > Specialty Travel > Solo Travel

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good collection, October 18, 2000

By 

K. Freeman (Apple Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The High Lonesome: Epic Solo Climbing Stories (Paperback)

This is an excellent anthology of writing about solo climbing. Highlights include Croft's Minarets trip report and Twight's (perhaps inadvertently) hilarious The Abattoir.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the price, December 9, 1999

By 

L. J. Cook (Boston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The High Lonesome: Epic Solo Climbing Stories (Paperback)

This anthology is well selected and well edited. I read it cover to cover, over two days, and had trouble putting it down even when I had finished it. Each contribution is a real "cliffhanger." (Sorry...I couldn't resist...)

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking, May 16, 2008

By 

FunHog (Philly) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The High Lonesome: Epic Solo Climbing Stories (Paperback)

As a climber, you become comfortable with the uncomfortable, but that is because you have a rope between you and the great beyond. These stories become even more amazing when you think deeply and appreciatively of the mental control over fear that these individuals master, which goes beyond the obvious physical mastery to climb solo. The stories give you a glimpse into the psyche of people who are true individuals. Whatever your view on their sanity or motivation, it is gripping stuff. One note, if you are John Long fan, this book is edited by Long, not written by him. But he combines great stories and insightful prologues.