Yankee Rock & Ice [Hardcover]

Laura & Guy Waterman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1993

First time in paperback

Celebrated climbers Guy and Laura Waterman trace the growth of this popular sport by focusing on the first ascents of classic routes and the climbers who made them legendary: John Case on the Adirondacks' Indian Head and Wallface; Robert Underhill and Lincoln O'Brien on Cannon; Fritz Wiessner on Breakneck Ridge. More contemporary climbers Jim McCarthy, Henry Barber, Lynn Hill, and Hugh Herr are described in full detail. Ethics and style, the evolution of ice climbing, the changing role of women in climbing, and developments in technique and equipment are explored.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The rocks and cliffs of New England and the Hudson drainage enticed a few climber/scramblers during the 19th century, but rock climbing and its sister, ice climbing, did not attract many regional outdoorsmen until the 1920s. Because the Watermans' own participation in the sport acquainted them with many of its pioneers, their book is largely primary data. They report changes in the sport and the accomplishments of sporting figures by decade, beginning with 1916 and ending in 1989, when what had been enjoyed by only a few had become so popular that it is now a spectator as well as participator sport. A necessary purchase for libraries in the Northeast and desirable for all sports collections.
- Paula M. Strain, MLS, Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Laura Waterman lives in East Corinth, Vermont near where she and Guy homesteaded for years. Guy is recently deceased. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 334 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811716333
• ISBN-13: 978-0811716338
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,115,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best history of climbing ever., February 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Yankee Rock & Ice (Hardcover)

"Yankee Rock & Ice" is the best climbing history I have ever read for any region or era. The authors went to great lengths to get the history from primary sources. Straight from the horse's mouth as it were. They talked to dozens of old-time climbers to record their memories before they pasted-on. Sadly, many have, but their reminiscences are recorded here. This is a history in the true sense of the word. Many climbing histories give simple narratives of when, by whom, and how climbs were done. "Camp 4" by Steve Roper and "Defying Gravity" by Gary Arce are two that come to mind. The authors of "Yankee Rock & Ice" don't simply give a account of when classic climbs were done, they also scrutinize the history according to the times. They examine the past by the current customs, techniques and technology available. But, this isn't a stuffy history text you read in school, the stories are lively and extremely funny. I was laughing as loud as when I read John Long's stuff.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the definitive guide...., February 20, 2000

By 

denny j Huber - See all my reviews

This review is from: Yankee Rock & Ice (Hardcover)

Guy, age 67 climbed his favorite mountain ridge near his home in Vermont,one last time. A forthcoming collection of their writings,some of which supplement this book, will be published soon.