To the Top of Denali: Climbing Adventures on North America's Highest Peak (Paperback)

by Bill Sherwonit (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Aptly nicknamed "the great one" (Denali) by Alaskan natives, mighty Mt. McKinley and the mountaineers it has inspired are the subjects of this chronicle. A dozen climbs significant in Denali's history are described, as well as one typical of those experienced by average adventure climbers. Sherwonit, an outdoors writer based in Anchorage, presents all sides of the controversies provoked by the climbs and by National Park Service policies on use of Denali. The final chapters on the special problems that affect Denali's future--rescue of incompetent or injured climbers, sanitation and trash, how many and what kind of guide services--discuss topics unfamiliar to conservationists in the "lower 48." Recommended. --Paula M. Strain, M.L.S., Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Complete with historic and contemporary photos and maps, this exciting collection of stories brings alive the challenges and triumphs of climbing North America's highest peak.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 347 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books (November 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882404024
• ISBN-13: 978-0882404028
• Product Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,251,027 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very educational with a clean line of history., September 4, 1998

By	[e-mail] (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This book offers an excellent detailed and informative historical perspective of Denali itself, as well as stories of expeditions, climbers, and a look to the future of the mountain. While well-written and an easy read, some of the stories lack the drama and realism due to the continuing third-person perspective. The book is more of a "factbook" rather than a collection of gripping adventures, and I recommend this read for those interested in true learning about the mountain. The reader is left with a greater appreciation of both nature and human perseverance.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading if you enjoy Mountaineering stories., November 14, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Draper, Utah) - See all my reviews

This book reads more like a collection of short stories. The book covers the first assent of Denali, first winter accent of Denali, first solo accent of Denali, and several other interesting or note worthy asscents. If you have read and enjoyed the book "Into Thin Air" then you should enjoy this book. The book is very enjoyable reading.

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, a must for anyone who aspires to climb Denali, April 18, 1998

By	Brad White ([e-mail]) (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

Sherwonit has written an interesting history of the expeditions on Denali. It is not a "page-turner" but anyone interested in climbing will appreciate the stories of successful and unsuccessful first ascents, first winter ascents and first solo ascents.