BOOKS

There’s nothing better than heading into the new year with a few choice books to read. Climbing literature is exciting and educating and these reads will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Paul Preuss: Lord of the Abyss: Life and Death at the Birth of Free-climbing

David Smart

Published by Rocky Mountain Books $30

A fascinating biography of the renowned Austrian alpinist Paul Preuss, who achieved international recognition for his remarkable free solos and his advocacy of an ethically “pure” alpinism.

Rising, Becoming the First Canadian Woman to Summit Everest

Sharon Wood

Published by Douglas-mcintyre $25

Three decades after her historic ascent of Everest, Sharon Wood tells her story about becoming the first North American woman to stand on the summit. Wood’s memoir is part mountain adventure story, part meditation on finding and sustaining passion and purpose.

No Easy Way: The Challenging Life of the Climbing Taxman

Mick Fowler

Published by Vertebrate Publishing $25

Mick Fowler recounts a series of expeditions to mountains in China, India, Nepal and Tibet. Alongside partners including Paul Ramsden,

Dave Turnbull, Andy Cave and Victor Saunders, he attempts challenging unclimbed lines on

Shiva, Gave Ding and Mugu Chuli – with a number of ascents winning the Piolets d’or.