From the Himalaya to Skye

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Collie in print at last ! - Rated
After over 100 years this book is now available!

I have tried for years to get this classic - at a reasonable price - and have only now succeeded. This edition by Ripping yarns.Com is in an attractive paperback containing prints of some of Collie's original pictures and also route topos of the 1895 attempt at Nanga Parbat.

Although first published in 1902 Collie's book is as descriptive, vibrant and compelling as ever and the reader can imagine themselves accompanying Collie up an ice slope or being hauled up a dank gully on the end of a hessian rope!

For example, "But to return to our climb, just as it was getting dark we emerged on to the top of Scawfell. The sun-god had plunged once more into the baths of ocean, leaving behind the golden splendour of a perfect evening."

There's a magnificence in these "old" books for me. Unlike an account of a modern hard E grade rock climb which I haven't a hope in hell of doing, I can (and have) followed in Collie's footsteps on Tower Ridge, the Cuillin and Pillar Rock.

So if you're interested in pioneering Himalayan exploration or how some of Britains' classic rock climbs were first climbed - this gem of a book is for you.

Long Lost Himalayan Classic Republished - Rated
Quite a few mountaineers know that the famous Alpinist AF Mummery was killed on Nanga Parbat in the first real Himalayan expedition (in 1895). Not many know that Norman Collie (more famous for his exploits on the Cuillins in Skye) wrote a book about it. This is it.

Mummery, Hastings and Collie were really pushing the limits of climbing at the time, attempting what would now be regarded as an Alpine-style ascent, on a Himalayan 8000m monster. Amazing stuff and written in Collie's unique style.

The second part of the book deals with some of Collie's other adventures, from Canada to the Lofotens, from Skye to his winter ascent of Tower Ridge. He also describes "Prehistoric" pioneering rock-climbing at Wasdale in the Lake District.

My only (minor) gripe with the book (hence four stars and not five) is his description of the ascent of Tower Ridge, which Collie wrote in a satirical style; this chapter has not aged well. However, this should not put you off buying the book - you will not be disappointed with the rest of it.

The author's royalties are being donated to the John Muir Trust, which is fitting; as one thing that shines right through the book is Collie's love of the great outdoors and the wilderness.