Amazon.com
How can a person be generous to the poor when his own bank account is almost empty? Mussar, a thousand-year-old Jewish spiritual tradition, offers answers to this and many other questions regarding the distance between religious ideals and everyday realities, as Alan Morinis explains in Climbing Jacob's Ladder. Morinis, a Canadian baby boomer who grew up to become a Rhodes Scholar, anthropologist, and film producer, discovered Mussar teachings at the low point of his midlife crisis. After he made some high-flying business deals that crashed, Morinis found reassurance in the Mussar idea that human life is holy and people can improve themselves. And Mussar, a system of ethical discipline conceived by Orthodox Jews to help them meet the demanding requirements of observant life, does seem perfectly designed for readers seeking step-by-step instruction for building or rebuilding their spiritual lives. In Climbing Jacob's Ladder Morinis tells the story of how he used Mussar to climb back up to holy life and invites readers to come along on his ascent. --Michael Joseph GrossBook Description
Jewish by birth, though from a secular family, Alan Morinis explored Hinduism and Buddhism as a young man. But in 1997, in the face of personal crisis, he turned to his Jewish heritage for guidance. In his reading he happened upon a Jewish spiritual tradition called Mussar. Gradually he realized that he had stumbled upon an insightful discipline for self-development, complete with meditative, contemplative, and other well-developed transformative practices designed to penetrate the deepest roots of the inner life.

Eventually reaching the limits of what he could learn on his own, he decided to seek out a Mussar teacher. This was not an easy task, since almost the entire world of the Mussar tradition had been wiped out in the Holocaust. In time, he found an accomplished master who stood in an unbroken line of transmission of the Mussar tradition, and who lived in the center of a community of Orthodox Jews on Long Island. This book tells the story of Morinis’s journey to meet his teacher and what he learned from him, revealing the central teachings and practices that are the spiritual treasury and legacy of Mussar.

To learn more about the author, Alan Morinis, go to www.mussarinstitute.org.Download Description

Jewish by birth, though from a secular family, Alan Morinis took a deep journey into Hinduism and Buddhism as a young man. He received a doctorate for his study of Hindu pilgrimage, learned yoga in India with B. K. S. Iyengar, and attended his first Buddhist meditation course in the Himalayas in 1974. But in 1997, when his film career went off track and he reached for some spiritual oxygen, he felt inspired to explore his Jewish heritage. In his reading he happened upon a Jewish tradition of spiritual practice called Mussar. Gradually he realized he had stumbled on an insightful discipline for self-development, complete with meditative, contemplative, and other well-developed transformative practices designed to penetrate the deepest roots of the inner life.

Eventually reaching the limits of what he could learn on his own, he decided to seek out a Mussar teacher. That was not easily achieved, since almost the entire world of the Mussar tradition had been wiped out in the Holocaust. In time, he did find an accomplished master who stood in an unbroken line of transmission of the Mussar tradition, and who lived at the center of a community of Orthodox Jews on Long Island. This book tells the story of Morinis's journey to meet his teacher and what he learned from him, and reveals the central teachings and practices that are the spiritual treasury and legacy of Mussar.

Alan Morinis has written this book because the wisdom and practices that helped him so much have not penetrated the world beyond the confines of Orthodox Judaism, and may not be fully appreciated even there at this time. His hope is that Jews and non-Jews alike will find in Mussar a time-tested path of spiritual practice that will help them discover the hidden radiance within.

"Climbing Jacob's Ladder is a gutsy, glowing account of one man's encounter with a potent spiritual practice and how it transformed his life. This is a precious book-that rare combination of solid wisdom and good literature."
   LARRY DOSSEY, M.D., AUTHOR OF HEALING BEYOND THE BODY

"Climbing Jacob's Ladder is a compelling story of spiritual discovery and initiation. In a field full of sentimentality, perfectionism, and spiritual ambition, this tale of personal liberation focuses on no-nonsense lessons in rising out of meaninglessness and spiritual fog."
   THOMAS MOORE, AUTHOR OF CARE OF THE SOUL AND THE SOUL'S RELIGION

"Alan Morinis, in his spiritual journey, has struck a rich vein of Judaism. This offering feels like a heart-gift to us."
   RAM DASS, AUTHOR OF STILL HERE

"Alan Morinis has provided us with a fascinating, deeply personal account of his journey back to Jewish spirituality through an encounter with the little-known heritage of Mussar, the Jewish discipline of self-perfection. This is a beautifully written and engaging book, a timely reminder that by changing ourselves we can begin to change the world."
   RABBI DR. JONATHAN SACKS, CHIEF RABBI OF BRITAIN AND THE COMMONWEALTH

Customer Reviews (9)

Road Marker
This is one of those books you look for to guide you down the true path to correct worship of The Most High.
If you have ever asked,"Is this it,is this all there is", this is a book for you.

Climbing Jacob's Ladder
I picked this book up while looking for more books by Pema Chodron. It was not recommended to me. I found it an astounding read. It is full of everyday useful, insightful, and spiritually nourishing information about a sect of Judaism not known to me. It is easy to read and quite inspiring. The author has started an institute that welcomes all faiths to learn more about Mussar. Everyone should have a copy!!!

outstanding
This book is well written and flows.The subject will interest all those who are not afraid of introspection, who are not looking for a shortcut to a happier and fulfiling life and who have the perseverence to persist to reach a long term goal.

a pleasant little book . . .
with, as other reviewers pointed out, a nice selection of practical exercises, like holding a rubber band or some other talisman when you get angry (to remind yourself that almost everyone gets angry and has to get over it), concentrating on one or two words when praying, and trying to think about the positive good you can help create when you are engaged in social action (rather than on who you are angry at for creating the problem).

How to Find Your Soul
In a world where spiritual materialism is rampant, it is refreshing to find the real thing. _Climbing Jacob's Ladder_ by Alan Morinis is an up close and personal introduction to Mussar, a little known, nearly obliterated form of Jewish Wisdom which aims in the most practical way to help anyone find his soul and then to cut through the clutter to balance and strengthen that soul by various techniques. There is no quick fix here, but what this book has to say jibes with as much as I have learned. Spirituality is largely a matter of practice. God helps those who work on their technique!   ... Read more

Book Description
Qabalah is a dynamic system of esoteric philosophy that underlies most of the modern magickal traditions. It explores the nature of divinity, the niverse, the human soul, creation, the function of life and a whole range of other philosophical and metaphysical subjects.The Qabalah offers the opportunity to follow a well-defined and multi-layered map of magickal ritual, consciousness expansion, self-integration and balance.Subjects covered in this book include: - The Development of the Qabalah through History - The Sephiroth, their symbols and temples - The Divisions of the Tree of Life, including the Pillars, Worlds and Triads - The Tetragrammaton or Unpronounceable Name of God - The Shekinah and the Divine Feminine in Qabalah - The Parts of the Human Soul and Qabalistic Doctrines on Reincarnation - Qabalistic Ritual and Ritual Techniques - Meditations on many aspects of the Tree of Life - Applying Qabalah in Daily LifeDavid Rankine has been studying & working within the Western Mystery Tradition since the 1970s and is a initiate of a number of traditions. He is the author of amany esoteric books - including Becoming Magick, The Guises of The Morrigan and Circle of Fire.He is also the co-author of Practical Angel Magic of Dr JohnDee's Enochian Tables and Keys to the Gateway of Magic, which are the first books in the "Sourceworks of Ceremonial Magic" series, which he is co-producing with occult author Stephen Skinner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Western Hermetic Qabalah
This is a good little book.The author has definitely done his homework and put a good deal of effort into this book.If you are looking for a book on the Qabalah from a Western Hermetic approach (like the Golden Dawn) then you will enjoy this book.

It does have a few typos in it.There are several on page 148, where the typesetter didn't put certain numbers in 'superscript,' above the line; this makes for some confusion until you realize what has happened.There are a few more of these typographical errors.

One issue I have with the book is that it attributes Kether to Pluto.I realize that other occult authors have done the very same thing, but I take issue with them, too.

Chokmah is Uranus, since Ouranos was the Starry sky, and Chokmah is the Sphere of the Zodiac, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to see this.Kether is Neptune; it is often called the 'first swirlings' which remind one of the galactic swirlings in space.But what if it is talking about the 'first swirlings' in the sea in the heavens, as G-d separated the waters from the waters.Neptune, then, would make a perfect candidate for Kether, as the mystical intelligence which is a part of Neptune's planetary energies.

Pluto is better suited to Da'ath.A planet that is not a planet for a Sephirah that is not a Sephirah.Da'ath is transformational and so is Pluto.They seem like perfect partners to me.

This book is a great reference, though.It has some interesting Gematria and some good observations on the Mystical Titles for each Sephirah.If you are thinking about buying this book, go ahead; you won't be disappointed.

Peace Profound,

Neshamah

Wisdom & Insight from a Master
This book can not be ignored.full stop.

Beginner, Intermediate or Experienced - new or at it for the last five hundred years.Reincarnated Rabi of some dubvious order or new ager wanting to move beyond the obvious information told and retold in a hundred books on the subject.

This book provides the reader with a solid basis in Western Mystery Qabalah.In many ways it could be called a "work book" in addition to a "manual" and although it is a primer, it contains far more than just the basics.Its a manual as it provides the information and the mechanics on how the qabalah fits together, its a workbook as it also provides the reader with many excellent exercises and meditations.Its a solid primer on the subject as it contains all the basics, but it is also much more as it contains some rarely seen qoutations from sources other than the obvious.

Rankine is a master of the qabalah, yet it he makes no pretentious claims to being any thing of the kind.However,it is obvious that he understands his subject inside out, the words flow, without the need for superfluous words to make it sound over complicated.Qabalah is a difficult subject, but one well worth studying, I have myself been reading and practising for more than ten years, but still feel that there is more to learn.This book provides me with much new material to work with and some great insights on rituals such as the Middle Pillar makes it even more of a must read for students of the Golden Dawn and related systems.

My only wish is that this, like the series of books the author is producing with Golden Hoard Press, could be produced in a hardback edition!But that is just being greedy!

David Rankine's Greatest Fan (In the nicest possible way!)
This is the latest great offering by David Rankine, who apart from being one of my favourite magickal pin-ups, seems to be producing some of the best work on western mystery tradition magick at the moment.Sensible, yet accessible.Intellectual, yet easy to read.Theoretical, yet practical. I am sure you get the picture!

Climbing the Tree of life is a nicely produced paperback, the binding is good, the layout makes it easy to find what you are looking for and the writing, well it is more than just great, it is excellent.

I would recommend it to anyone wishing to study the Qabalah from a magickal perspective.It is far easier to follow and understand than some of the other books on the market, but does so without loosing touch of the subject, without the need for filling space with words which are meaningless.

What is even nicer about this book is that the author doesn't force his religious views upon the reader.Christianity is deemed as valid as Paganism or indeed any other spiritual path.Refreshing.

This book is great.It is as simple as that.If you are interested in Qabalah, then you should be reading it. Reading this book will give you access to the ideas, research and practices of a man who understands the Qabalah throroughly, it will save you reinventing the wheel and you will benefit from his excellent explanations through and through.

Insights of an Excellent Genius Magickian!
Qabalah, or Kabballah or whichever way you choose to spell it continued to be a painful experience for me until I bought and read this book.Rankine's take on it shows that he has done his research, but not only through books and journals, through hard work in the system itself.

The book gives all the theory you could ever hope for.It gives practical examples and exercises and it gives insights that I could only vaguely glimpse in other books on the subject.

No doubt that there will be some who struggled through Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune and other books of that era on the subject of Western Mystery Qabalah who will pick up this book and scratch their heads in disbelief.This book is no-nonsense, no-fluff, ultra-practical, ultra-readable, ultra-excellent.

The author has been a practising magickian for many years and through the material made available in this book, I have no doubt that he must also be an excellent teacher.

If you have an interest in magickal qabalah you can do no wrong purchasing this book.It will in time, I believe, replace most books on the subject available today. No doubt it will ruffle some feathers with new informed and thought through takes on the Middle Pillar and other such rituals, but it makes perfect sense and gives perfect well thought through reasons for doing so.

Part of me felt like I should keep the knowledge of this book to myself.It is a real insight into the mysteries, but this book should be shared.You will save yourself years of struggle and gain great insights if you work through the exercises and visualisations in this book.

Enjoy.

... Read more

Book Description
Television icon, New York Times bestselling author-and powerful example of the strength to overcome obstacles-Montel Williams reveals his true story of struggle and triumph in this compelling memoir that proves not only a fascinating read, but an inspiration.

In 1999, after almost twenty years of mysterious symptoms that he tried to ignore, Montel Williams, a decorated former Naval intelligence officer and Emmy(r) Award-winning talk show host, was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Like others suffering from the devastating and often disabling disease, which attacks the central nervous system, Montel was first struck with denial, fear, depression, and anger. Next came the emotional trial of informing friends and family, and finally going public with the news. What followed was a fierce determination not to be beaten down by MS, and to live the most vital and productive life possible while becoming a dedicated spokesperson and fundraiser for the disease.

Montel Williams's Climbing Higher is a penetrating and insightful look at a remarkable man, his extraordinary career, and the illuminating life that graced him with strong values, courage, and wisdom. Now he shares that wisdom in this uplifting book on the divergent roads a life can take, and recounts his own resourceful approach to the challenges he has faced. Deeply personal, Climbing Higher is as straight-forward, honest, inspiring, and motivating as its author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Above satisfactory
Very easy book to read and kept my interest, however, I found it a little too self-serving at times. Having been diagnosed with MS 4 years ago, I could relate to some of the experiences Montel went through, and the frustrations and fears he felt at the time of his diagnosis. I appreciated the appendix which included various questions asked of several different doctors regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MS. There were times when he just came across as a bit arrogant and aloof. This may be more a result of his style of writing and his choice of words when describing certain situations and experiences, rather than the reality of who Montel is. I appreciate his candor and honesty when describing various events in his life, but I just had a feeling that he's still removed from the majority of people with MS.Truly, how many of us can fly to Sweden or other places around the world to get a 2nd opinion? How many of us can travel all around the world snowboarding the winter months away?I just found it hard to relate to him at times.

Great read!
I have known for many years bits and pieces of Montel's story.I find his battle interesting.He gives me inspiration with all he struggles with daily.Since I facilatate a Support Group for MS I am always looking for inspiration and like to learn from others.I shared the book with my group.

Have read all Montel's books...
I liked this book the BEST out of all Montel William's books!!It was a very personal story that can help a lot of people.

I recommend this book, especially if you love Montel.

Climbing Higher by Montel Williams
Climbing HigherThis is a must read for anyone who has MS or has a friend or family member with MS.Montel Williams explains exactly how some of us feel and we don't know how to explain it to other people.There were parts in this book where I said out loud, "This is ME and I'm not alone in how I feel"!!!What a great feeling to know that you are not the only one who has these symptoms and exacerbations of this dreaded disease.It's fast reading and I've read it twice and the book is nearby to read it again.I'm also offering it to other people to read to try to understand my health problems.

I highly recommend this book!!!

CLIMBING HIGHER
I WAS JUST DIAGNOSED WITH MS A FEW MO0NTHS AGO.I REALLY ENJOYED READING MONTEL'S BOOK.HE WAS SAYING A LOT OF WHAT I AM FEELING, BUT DID NOT KNOW HOW TO TELL ANYONE.I AM HAVING MY FAMILY READ THIS, AND MAYBE THEY WILL UNDERSTAND SOME OF WHAT I FEEL. ... Read more

Product Description
In 2003. Jesus revealed a mission of great mercy to Anne, a lay apostle. The Volumes, which Anne recorded from locutions, came from God the Father, Jesus, Mary, and many saints. This book contains the story of how this mission began under the watchful eye and in complete obedience to the Catholic Church. Also featured is a summary of Anne's mystical experiences of heaven and her vision of the personal call to holiness that each of us must hear. ... Read more

Book Description
The most comprehensive climbing guidebook ever published for Red Rocks, Nevada.

*More than 1500 trad and sport routes *Includes over 300 routes more than any other guidebook for the area, many of those routes never before been published *Features 90 topos and more than 100 photos with route overlays *Routes rated from 1 to 5 stars for quality

Just a 30-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers the best off-season weather of any climbing area in the United States. Its desert climate and its abundance of varied climbing routes-from beginner to advanced, trad routes and sport routes, single-pitch to big-wall-have made Red Rocks a prime year-round destination. In the past, no single guidebook offered climbers complete coverage of the area, but this new guide offers everything they'll need to know to get the most from their trip to Red Rock Canyon, including visitor information for the Las Vegas area. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

do not buy this book
Do not confuse this fire kindle with Red Rocks: A Climber's Guide.I regret buying this book as it is wholly inaccurate and guaranteed to confuse.

Lots of errors
There are lots of mistakes in this book, including wrong names of crags on topo overviews, wrong grades on climbs, bad directions, and more routes in the topo in the book than in reality.

Lead astray
Nice photos but inaccurate descriptions. Approaches in Red Rocks are notoriously long, on more than one occasion a route was described as being in full sun or full shade only to discover the opposite was true once at the base. We were quite frustrated with the book's misinformation.Routes were also poorly described.It lead our party to wonder if the author forgot to proofread the manuscript.

Solid climbing guide book
I got this book for a trip to Red Rock Canyon in March 2007. It was one of two books brought by our party -- the other was Rock Climbing Red Rocks, 3rd. The books varied slightly on route descriptions (three pitches vs. two longer ones), but as always, the guide books were just a guide and actual conditions led us to make some different decisions on the route. The route ratings were very helpful -- there are tons of routes to climb and with only a short trip, we focused on only the top-rated routes, and we were not disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

nice to have new material on an place that has a lifetime of climbing
Got this book this month (December) and have already began picking out new routes I want to do!I definitely am an advocate of his (Randy Vogel's) seeming conviction that his original JTree book needed some updating.This guide gives new route info, as well as more developed topo's, pictures, etc.I will likely get his new book when it comes out in print this January, simply because I am already impressed with this one and his next one will cover the Central (Split Rock, Saddle Rock, etc.) more extensively than his original 1 book volume did.

SWEEEET!
Just got my copy and after spending a couple hours with this guide, all I can say is Wow! Kinda thick, but so much info and really liked the history section. Can't wait to visit some of the new spots...

Only question, when are the other volumes coming out? ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Learn Anchors
This book is actually much more useful than 'Climbing Anchors'. It has pictures of numerous real life anchor setups and their pros and cons, while 'Climbing Anchors' is pretty much just very basic anchor info without too much in depth detail.That basic stuff is much better illustrated in other guidebooks, and quickly learned with some practice, so I would say just get this book instead of both or the first one only.

So, you think you know anchors...
This book will help make you an expert in building safe, sophisticated multi-point anchors.The relative meirts of the various methods of equalizing anchors -- rope, cordelette, and sliding X -- are discussed indepth.The authors take the position that there is no such thing as aperfect anchor, and present detailed analyses, with photographs, of thepros and cons of 52 anchors.Whether you are a beginning or an advancedclimber, you will find yourself reading and re-reading this text, learningsomething new each time.

Not much more info.
Not much more info than available in "Climbing Anchors," by John Long. Mainly more pictures of various anchors. If you have a basic understanding of anchors, you can get away with not having this book. ... Read more

Book Description
From one of the most prominent names in climbing today, a full-color, comprehensive guide to a sport experiencing a renaissance.

"Mixed climbing is my favorite discipline. It's the most fun because it has the fewest rules—sort of like professional wrestling compared to boxing." So says Will Gadd, as profiled in Fifty Favorite Climbs. Here the champion ice climber presents the same techniques and veteran wisdom he imparts to those who attend his annual clinics. These include: step-by-step instructions for the swing (ice axe), the kick (footwork), and putting it all together (tracking); how to "read" ice to select your line and follow it safely; and drytool techniques for mixed climbing. Training exercises and inspirational stories complete this seminal guide.

This is the seventh installment in The Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good material, presentation problematic
This is one of the latest guides on ice climbing.It therefore covers the most modern techniques, is up to date with equipment, and has great color photos.Written by Will Gadd it definitely has the flair of an individual author, reads more like a pro's guide than a technical reference.The type of material covered and order is great.However, the editing of this guide is severely lacking.It suffers from incorrect captions, bad figure references, transposed terms (convex vs concave) and complex procedures described in steps that tend to get you lost in confusion rather than clarify.

If you're an already accomplished ice climber, there will be a few "take home" concepts ("tracking"/cycling vertical progression, and his personal take on mix climbing techniques for instance).A beginner will benefit more from this guide (after reading twice to work around the editing problems).

A second edition, edited properly, will be a top-notch guide on this sport.

Great for Beginner / Intermediates
Written in thoughtful and lively fashion, Gadd distills his 20 years of collected wisdom into 230 pages. Discussions on tools, technique, nutrition, training are all useful - this is a book for the aspiring ice warrior as well as the climber with a few seasons under his / her belt. The constant Red Bull pimping gets a bit distracting but a guy has to pay the bills, afterall. Highly recommended.

Improve Your Ice Climbing Technique
This is simply the best book on ice climbing technique you will find.That's a broad statement, but you'll agree that Will Gadd has done an outstanding job presenting the information in this book. He starts out at a very basic level and proceeds to cover everything from climbing easy ice to mixed climbing. The book offers many tips and tricks as well as stresses the need for safety.There are even a few "war stories" thrown in for your reading enjoyment.The material is presented in an easy-to-read and enjoyable fashion.This book is destined to become the "Bible" of ice climbing technique.From beginner to expert you'll probably find something in this book that will help you improve your technique.A MUST addition to your collection. ... Read more

Book Description
In July 1967, seven young men—members of Joe Wilcox's twelve-man expedition—died on Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak.

Ten days passed with no rescue attempt, while more than half an expedition was stranded and dying at 20,000 feet during a vicious Arctic storm. The bodies were never recovered. And, for reasons that have remained cloudy, there was no proper official investigation of the catastrophe.

This book begins as a classic tale of men against nature, gambling—and losing—on one of the world's starkest and stormiest peaks. Reckoning by lives lost, it was history's third-worst mountaineering disaster when it occurred—but elements of finger pointing, incompetence, and cover-up make this disaster unlike any other. James M. Tabor draws on previously untapped sources: personal interviews with survivors and those involved in the aftermath, unpublished diaries and letters, and government documents. He consults not only mountaineers but also experts in disciplines including meteorology, forensics, and psychology. What results is the first full account of the tragedy that ended a golden age in mountaineering. Maps; 8 pages of illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Chilling and Wonderful!
Tabor has put together a beautiful, extremely balanced account of a tragedy that includes the objective, the subjective, and quite tastefully, the emotions of the survivors. I read it once, and then had to read it again. The story deserved to be told again, and from a person far removed from the story. Tabor does an incredible job of piecing together an investigation some 40 years later. Tabor's descriptions made me want to, as Snyder described, put my parka on in my living room. Having climbed successfully to the top of Denali, I always counted myself lucky. This book shows just how truly lucky I was. A brilliant work!

Forever on the Mountain
Enjoyed the book quite a bit.Thought the author tried to be objective but his appraisals did make themselves known.However, his bias was even-handed and therefore gave a pretty fair picture.Felt the comparison with Everest was not warranted and should not have been brought into the book.

Preconceived opinions?
While browsing my local bookstore, I saw a book with a title that left no question in my mind about the subject: an event that happened 40 years ago and I could now read about the truth surrounding that tragedy on Mt. McKinley: Forever on the Mountain, by James Tabor. In the summer of 1967 I was full of dreams and anticipation as to what my second season at Mt. McKinley National Park might bring: new adventures, amazing sights, the trill of just the chance to view that magical mountain, Mt. McKinley. At the same time I was living my dreams, another group of young men were about to begin their own adventures and dreams, and attempt to summit the great mountain. As I read on, I realized sometimes in life no matter how well we plan and organize, things happen; attitudes and egos do not mix; politics and bureaucracy diminish the chance for success. In this book, these problems are brought forth and analyzed with a very straight forward approach, giving the public an unbiased solution of what happened and didn't happen in the most tragic disaster in North American climbing history. I thought it was a great read, especially having lived at McKinley during the event, and is important for anyone who has preconceived opinions about what actually took place on the mountain.



Gary Smith

Very well researched, gripping account of one of mountaineering's greatest tragedies
This book is impeccably research and presents a very controversial subject in an unbiased manner.Tabor does about as good a job as could be done at presenting the facts, providing analysis, and drawing conclusions, while giving all sides the benefit of the doubt.

Who do we blame for a natural tragedy?
The seven who died on Denali were likely doomed at the moment the five on top decided to go for the summit.They couldn't have known that, because they had no idea about the weather headed their way.Neither did anyone else, apparently.(Even if someone had hinted at a storm, the storm that hit was extraordinary.)

I had a hard time understanding why Wilcox was the target of blame for the tragedy.Even if all of the criticisms of the expedition are accepted, they seem to have little causal relation to the deaths on the mountain.His decisionmaking should be judged based on the situation as it unfolded, not as we now know it ultimately would unfold.Only his failure to call for a full rescue effort at the first opportunity may have made a difference, yet that gets little play.The failure of Park Service officials to appreciate the emergency and act promptly is troubling, yet there remains a serious question as to whether that would have ultimately made a difference.

I knew nothing about the 1967 disaster before I read this book, so all of my views are formed by its contents.My primary criticism is the effort to reconstruct conversations for which there is no living witness.Tabor would have been better to describe his conjectures without the level of false precision implicit in his faux dialogue or description of their actions during the storm.Even though a reasonably careful reader would not be misled, it puts the reader needlessly on guard, even during the eyewitness accounts.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Get high
This book is the definitive guide to Colorado 14ers.There are newer, flashier books available, but this is the one that goes in my pack before every climb and has for the last 20 years.It is a must have.

Great Reference Book
Great Reference book.Includes maps and directions for the best way to do any of the Fourteeners.Excellent maps to show you physically what you will encounter.Another good reference is [online]where you can read and see photos from folks climbing to check currentconditions after picking the one you want to climb from this book.

To be consulted after you have climbed your mountain.
Yes, Bourneman and Lampert are good climbers. Too good! This is a text to consult after you have climbed your mountain. I suggest that you choose your route in "Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs" byGerry Roach. Bourneman often selects routes that are not appropriate forthose who are not up to his ability. I have learned the hard way. After, 37successful Colorado 14er climbs, I recommend Roach. You should also checkEdrinn's "Grand Slam", and Ormes' "Guide to the ColoradoMountains". Bourneman and Lampert salvage two stars but only becausetheir historical information is interesting.

To be consulted after you have climbed your mountain.
Yes, Bourneman and Lampert are good climbers. Too good!This is a text to consult after you have climbed your mountain. I suggest that you choose your route in "Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs" byGerry Roach. Bourneman often selects routes that are not appropriate forthose who are not up to his ability. I have learned the hard way. After, 37successful Colorado 14er climbs, I recommend Roach.You should also checkEdrinn's "Grand Slam", and Ormes' "Guide to the ColoradoMountains". Bourneman and Lampert salvage two stars, but only becausetheir historical information is interesting.

Not the best guide
I have used this guide as well as Roach(99) to climb most of the Colorado Fourteeners.This book has some interesting historical data, but has poor maps and lists only one route on most peaks.Roach's 1999 edition is farsuperior. ... Read more

Book Description
People travel from all over the world to stand on the summit of Mt. Whitney (14,496Õ), the highest point in the contiguous United States. Miles of rugged granitic terrain, blue-green lakes, and impressive ridges are just some of the awesome vistas awaiting those who make it to the top.

Peter Croft, winner of the American Alpine ClubÕs Underhill Award foroutstanding achievement in mountaineering, has updated this new edition for every level of climber: how to get the most out of your conditioning; prepping for overnight trips; dayhiking the main Whitney Trail; the North Fork approach; Whitney from other passes; cross-country routes; and challengingtechnical routes for advanced climbers.

Written and published in the Eastern Sierra, Climbing Mt. Whitney has sold more copies than any other guide to the peak, standing on its own merits as the best Whitney trail guide of all time. Approved by the USFS. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

I've not been there yet but......
I have read another book on Mt Whitney, (which is ok), but this one is far more informative and in depth. The trail descriptions are really good and there is an underlying enthusiasm from the author which is infectious.
The proof of all this pudding will be inJune 2007 when I will be trekking my way to the summit, guided by the trails detailed in this book.
I will try to return and re-review post trek.

re: climbing Mt. Whitney
This book was very accurate & informative.I even used it forreference when I actually did the hike.I had never undertaken a hike of this magnitude before but with the accurate trail & milage description, plus the tips for training & altitude sickness, ( I came from the flatland), I was able to successfully complete & summit the hike strong & in the time frame I had anticipated.

BestWhitney guide out there
I have both the 1997 and 2005 editions of this guide. How do you improve an already great guide? Ask climber Peter Croft to coauthor. Recommending any guide book with Croft as a coauthor is pretty much a no-brainer. So HIGH-FIVE for CLIMBING MT. WHITNEY.

It has all the standard routes from every other pass, east south, west, north. The new edition has routes not covered in any other Whitney guide including Croft's personal creations. Bored? Try one of Croft's circumnavigational routes. They aren't necessarily technical but just incredibly physically challenging. He's a North Face athlete and one of a handful of folks awarded the American Alpine Club's Underhill Award for Outstanding Achievement in Mountaineering. He knows what he is talking about.

The info on training for high-altitude with a route up White Mountain Peak, Whitney's 14,246' neighbor to the east and DIAMOX (also in the Benti/Wheelock 1997 edition) was very helpful especially for a friend.She's a great climber, but every time we go to altitude, she gets puking sick. Based on the advice in Climbing Mt. Whitney, she got a prescription for DIAMOX (Acetazolamide). She went from miserably sick and a potential liability on altitude climbs to practically running up routes and eating lunch on the summit of anything over 11,000-feet. Physical exertion/mountaineering = lactic acid. Flushing it out of the cells as fast as you can to keep from getting sick on a tight time schedule at elevation is what it's about. Any Physiology 101 student will tell you that. Our climbing crew was stunned by the change in our friend's performance. Climbing Mt. Whitney was the first Whitney guide to even talk about Diamox as an alternative to sleeping at elevation a few nights before, which just doesn't work for many folks who are usually coming up from sea level and just don't have the time.

This guide does emphasize the importance of drinking clean water so the warnings on giardia are key. Filtered water means the dif between puking up stomach lining on some hospital bed (been there, done that) and a successful trip in and out of the backcountry.

Climbing Mt. Whitney is still the best Whitney guide out there.

Great Book!
Croft & Benti's Climbing Mt. Whitney book was so helpful in planning our climb of Whitney via the Mountaineers Route. Instead of descending via the Whitney Trail back to the Portal, we used one of Croft's four loop routes and returned to the North Fork drainage via the John Muir Trail, pass Guitar & Arctic Lakes, then back to the North Fork drainage via Whitney/Russell Col. We found this new book to be a vast improvement over any other Whitney book just because of Croft's new take on challenging hikes in the region. Croft is a hilarious writer and his sense of humor was a great treat. His route additions make this book stand out above the competition.

This book is a disappointment
With all the Mt. Whitney books out, there is little here that is new.And what does appear elsewhere, such as in the Thompson-Newbold or Richins books, is often covered better in those other sources.

There is unwarranted hyperbole:On Giardia and E. coli, "our streams and lakes are filled with these nasty bugs."And eyebrow-raising phraseology:"From late July to the end of September, technical climbing gear is generally not needed on the Whitney Trail" and "Bivy sacks slip right over a sleeping bag and are roomy enough to allow the user to cook a meal...."

An example of wrong information: "Diamox...helps flush lactic acid out of the body" purportedly explains why it helps prevent altitude sickness.But Diamox's actual mechanism of action is to inhibit carbonic anhydrase, which in turn counters the acid-base imbalance produced by altitude hyperventilation.

More attentive editing would have helped.For example, Croft's encounter with an enraged grouse is hilariously related on page 67.But it is repeated on page 94, and it's not needed in both places.

While there is more to fault, much in the book is correct and to the point.Unfortunately, the novice reader is not in a position to make the distinction.

The first third of the book covers history-both natural and mountaineering-and these are well done.A nice touch is the final chapter, a Norman Clyde narrative.And Glen Dawson's Foreword is a delight.Finally, a good bibliography is included-somewhat uncommon in mountaineering guidebooks. ... Read more

Product Description
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Customer Reviews (10)

Easy to understand book giving the why and providing the how
I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of pure science and application to on rock performance.

The authors are world renowned climbers with a clear enthusiasm for the sport and lucid understanding of it's foundations.

Succinctly, the authors view performance climbing as a harmonious blend of physical and psychological factors, the former subdivided into co-ordination ( technique ),balance, endurance, strength and flexibility.

The book is premised on the concept of the weak link which determines the greatest hinderance to climbing.

For example a body builder who climbs should not work on strength but rather flexibility and technique.
Similarly, a ballerina should not work on balance and flexibility but rather strength and technique.

The key to pushing the grades is to identify your weakest link and train to improve it.

The book is replete with training regimens, exercises, and techniques which address each area stated above.

The single best strategy implicit in the book is to identify when you reach a plateau and to realize that you are now training incorrectly. You should now strive to identify what is now your weakest link and train it. This cycle should continue as long as climb and wish to improve.

A four grade improvement is possible and should be expected within 3 months of adapting your current climbing strategy to this book.

An excellent resource
This book will not tell you how to hold onto a tiny crimpy hold with one finger while your feet hunt for somewhere to stand. It WILL tell you lots of things about how muscules work, what good training looks like, and what good climbing feels like.

This is not a recipe book, because in climbing, there is no recipe. Everyone climbs under a different set of constraints - strength, weight, skill, etc. This is a book that will give you the tools you need to watch your own climbing and improve it. Read it cover to cover.

Move forward now or get off the rock
Imagine a pursuit that requires bloody fingers to excel at, a life or death commitment to succed in almost any areas of, and then take a look at this book. The cover alone conjures up teen romace rags, the horrendous pink and orange looks like some bizzare lesbian cookbook recipe collection. Don't let the cover deceive you about the content of this book. I've invested a lot of time and energy in texts that only added one more Everest story to myknowledge. NOT SO THIS BOOK. Concepts in this Performance Rock Climbing have been endorsed and used by most major climber you've read about. The back cover features an endorsement from a certain Mark Twight, and if you need any more information than that to take advantage of this book's massive potential for improvement, I suggest trading in your rack of gear for a bigger TV-you'll be more comfortable during your muscle decay, and that's one less person kicking down rocks on my head while answering a celphone halfway through a climb.

To reiterate, this book is one of about five key texts that can supercharge your rate of growth if you'll invest the time to read it. Also get Heather Sagar's book, and Eric Horst, and any John Long from the How To Rock Climb series. And leave the celphone in the car next time, SUV guy.

THE Climbing Technique Book
Improving one's ability in any endeavor can be difficult once one has practiced for a few years.One might think that there's not all that much technique involved in rock climbing, since the climber has but two arms and two legs.But it's not that simple.Performance Rock Climbing breaks climbing down into a number of aspects, then teaches how to optimize each and combine the parts into a whole.

When this book hit the shelves, I had stagnated for a few years, unable to improve.Within 6 months, my onsight leading level had jumped nearly a whole grade.I'd learned to channel my energy for climbing in a more efficient way, and to reduce climbing related injuries.Rather than just exercising the climbing muscles, I learned to better exercise my mind - perhaps the most critical muscle of all for a climber.

GREAT
If you buy only one rock climbing book, this should be it!!Great overview of training techniques and what you can do on and off rock to improve your overall conditioning and climbing.Explains physiology in easy to understand terms so that each person can customize workouts to their own needs and to fit their goals. ... Read more

Book Description
What's worse than a blue Monday?  For Richard "Beast" Best, it's a purple Monday spent climbing a fat brown rope with fat brown knots.



Beast wishes he could climb up that rope like Emily Arrow and Matthew Jackson.  Just looking at it hanging down from the gym ceiling makes him dizzy



Beast is afraid and hopes his friends won't find out.  But Mrs. Miller, the meanest substitute teacher in the whole school, finds out his secret and tells him to meet her in the gym after school.  Miller the Killer. What will she do to him? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A decent series for the young'ins...
In my elementary school days; I enjoyed several authors; among them; Edward Packard; Beverly Cleary; and Particia Reilly Giff.

In this installment of "Kids at Polk Street School", the focal point is on Richard; afraid of climbing ropes.Giff successfully emphasizes with a common fear of elementary students--I never scrounged up the courage to climb the ropes at my elementary school--and I may go back some day to do so.

While I see where Giff is coming from; points off for the "cliche" of bad school lunches, and mean substitute teachers.

Still, the series is decent for those in grades 2-5.

Excellent; kids that age can identify with Richard
I read this about 11 yrs back in 4th grade. I could relate to it because the school gym at my school had a climbing rope, too. This story helps kids to face their everyday fears. RIchard learns a lot about himself and evenabout the school's "mean" sub, who helps Richard face his fears! ... Read more

Book Description
A guide for planning, organizing, and leading expeditions--whether your team is large or small, whether you're bound for Mount Everest or Mount Whitney.

Includes:
Planning a timeline, building a team, handling expedition finances
Selecting gear, organizing and packing supplies, base camp and mountain logistics
Dealing with visas, permits, travel, porters, and more
Loaded with practical examples and anecdotes
Handy worksheets including an expedition application, medical form, menu planning form, diet questionnaire, and comprehensive gear checklist ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

From Erebus to Everest, this is your book!
At first glance, this appears to be a how-to manual for expeditions to Himalayan peaks. It is that -- you could climb any of the 8,000 meter peaks with the information presented here -- but it's really much more. This is a guide for planning and executing literally any type of expedition: from kayaking in Chile, to big wall climbing in Greenland. There are so many tips, ticks and hints here that it will save you much time and grief. Much of this information hasn't been presented anywhere else that I've seen...wish I'd read it before my last trip. This would be a good book for anyone thinking about joining an expedition and essential if you are planning one! ... Read more

Book Description
Climbing Mt. Shasta contains 12 comprehensive chapters and power packed appendices loaded with resourceful information. This book was produced in very high quality paper with an attractive color cover and eight pages with color pictures. Also, there are several black and white pictures along with an aerial map, several maps and charts. The book has a lot of subheadings making it easy for the reader to follow. Chapter One begins by introducing the Volcano's eruptive history, its thick icy glaciers, and the story of the first recorded summit ascent on Mt. Shasta. The next few chapters acquaint the reader, or climber, with the hazards and rewards of mountaineering allowing those of you who know little about the Mountain to become better acquainted with it. You will also be introduced to weather, safety, climbing techniques, and proper use of equipment. Re-live the dramatic story of the climber who survived two lonely, cold nights without sleeping gear at 12,000 feet. Subsequent chapters prepare you for your climb up the mountain. Once you're packed, author Steve Lewis takes you on a step-by-step journey to the summit. Finally, glissade with him 2,000 feet down a snowfield as he takes you safely back to base camp. Enjoy your stay in the Mt. Shasta area with the last chapter titled Camping and Recreation. Appendices include a mountaineering glossary, mountaineering stores, and resourceful phone contacts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Basic essentials
I am planning to Summit Mt. Shasta in the upcoming year; however, I cannot even consider myself a novice--beginner, maybe.I have NEVER climbed before--this book gave me basic information that will help me to plan my trip...everything from general mountain climate to a packing list.Without reading this book, I am afraid I may have not known the essentials (basics) to take with me!

Guide book designed to get you to the top...
After reading the review titled "A big disappointment" it seems the reviewer has misconceptions about the book. From his eyes, not knowing anything at all about Mt. Shasta and never climbing it before, he was looking for a book that would match climbing Mt. Everest or one that is so advanced that the reader climbing Mt. Shasta for the first time would have no choice but to "look elsewhere." It would be like writing a guide book and then adding a review that condemns the book because it does not have information about the American presidents. The reviewer talks about his extensive climbing experience in his bio.

The fact is there are at least 15,000 people (first time climbers) that attempt to climb Mt. Shasta a year and only a third make it. I would say at least 95 per cent of those that climb have never used an ice axe or crampons. The book is written for those people and it's designed to cover the Avalanche Gulch route only. Mountaineering is a sport and like most sports, you must understand the game. The book helps you understand the mountain and gives you the information that you need to make a safe and successful climb to he summit. It's a companion in your backpack!

Guide book designed to get you to the top...
After reading the review titled "A big disappointment" it seems the reviewer has misconceptions about the book. From his eyes, not knowing anything at all about Mt. Shasta and never climbing it before, he was looking for a book that would match climbing Mt. Everest or one that is so advanced that the reader climbing Mt. Shasta for the first time would have no choice but to "look elsewhere." It would be like writing a guide book and then adding a review that condemns the book because it does not have information about the American presidents. The reviewer talks about his extensive climbing experience in his bio.

The fact is there are at least 15,000 people (first time climbers) that attempt to climb Mt. Shasta a year and only a third make it. I would say at least 95 per cent of those that climb have never used an ice axe or crampons. The book is written for those people and it's designed to cover the Avalanche Gulch route only. Mountaineering is a sport and like most sports, you must understand the game. The book helps you understand the mountain and gives you the information that you need to make a safe and successful climb to he summit. It's a companion in your backpack!

A big disappointment if you have ANY climbing experience.
....This guide of 170 pages devotes about 63 pages to climbing Mt.Shasta.The rest includes: discussions of internal frame vs. externalframe packs, how to pack your pack, whether snow shoes are necessary in thesummer (!), and such profound statements as "Good quality clothingprotects your body from the cold and fierce winds that can generate on theMountain."Beware of a book with two pages of acknowledgementsincluding two acknowledgements to dogs!Or a climbing guide with aglossary that defines "peak," "run, "trailhead,"and "summit."For a climbing guide to Shasta I expect more thanjust one detailed photo illustrating the route.I expect maps.And Iexpect the discussion of more than just one route up the mountain.Want toclimb Shasta in the winter?Look elsewhere.Want the mileage andelevation gain in detail?Look elsewhere.The list goes on. Is this guideuseful for anyone? Yes, it is useful for someone with no climbingexperience at all.Anyone else, wait for the next guidebook to bepublished.

The best beginner guide I've ever read about any climb
This book is a simple, straightforward guide to climbing Shasta, especially for first-timers. I was given three books about Shasta by some friends before my recent trip and this one was the most useful. It gave warnings about all the dangers, tips for having the best time possible, and clear descriptions of all the available routes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

THE classic book on ice climbing
Chounard's book on ice climbing is an old classic. It retains its charm inspite of its age and much subsequent development in ice climbing tools and techniques. This is so because it is more than a technical manual. Chouinard was a pioneer in the development of ice axes and tools, and presents the unique perspective of an expert climber and master craftsman. Chouinard pays attention to the history and evolution of ice climbing, but also dwells in detail on all the basic technical requirements of ice climbing. He liberally sprinkles anecdotes and stories from his vast mountain experience. Thisgives his book a sense of first person immediacy that cannot usually be conveyed vicariously by a book. One of the things that makes this book really special is its wonderful layout and beautiful black and white photographs. In every respect, this book is a great work of art -it will remain sacred to climbers for manygenerations.

wealth of knowledge
exellent book for beginners to expert. although it does not go intogreat detail and by no means is meant to be an instructional guide. YvonneChouinard is probable the most knowledgable author on the subject. i'd rate it a 10++++ Yvonne is also my cousin.

I am somehow related to Yvon Chouinard.
I remember meeting him as a boy of the age of 6. My grandmother was Thelma Chouinard up here in Maine. If you'd like, please contact me. ... Read more

Book Description

The dynamic ode to girl power was written by noted Afro-American actor, poet, and playwright Beach E. Richards. First published in 1951, her poem is given new life in this edition that includes an introduction by LisaGay Hamilton and stunning illustrations by R. Gregory Christie. With its inspirational messsage, this book will empower children with the realization that "the path of life goes up and up/not down!"

... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very personal, very inspiring
This book is one I wish I had when I was a young girl.This book is also very personal. As my father grew up with Mrs. Richards, and she was his dance instructor.So in the portion of the book that is dedicated to all of the children, past, present and future of Vicksburg, MS that would include me and most of my family.Great book.Highly recommended!Thank you Mrs. Richardson and Mrs. Hamilton.

Climb right up to the toppermost bough of the very tallest tree
A children's book adaptation of a lovely poem of encouragement and spirit by Beah E. Richards. Accompanied by simple illustrations, distinctive for their broad swaths of subdued, earthly colors. A wonderful read aloud book for storytime or bedtime (or anytime!). An inspirational story for any young girl, especially those surrounded by brothers and a very nice gift book for female graduates of any age (sure to replace "Oh the Places You'll Go!").

Beautiful!
Every little girl (and big girl!) should read this book. It is very motivating. I loved it.

Girls Rule!
This book will inspire girls in all places and all races to jump for the sun and live their grandest dreams.The language provides a great read-aloud.The message resonates in the heart. It is an encouraging read.Keep Climbing, Girls!Inspite of all the great tribulations that our present world is going through and inspite of woman's collective struggle that continues across the many lands.Yes, keep on climbing.The world needs your light to survie and thrive. Share this book with your daugters and sons, too.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Good guidebook
This is a comprehensive guidebook.It includes pretty much every major climbing area in WV, VA, and MD.Its got a good detailed chapter on Old Rag mountain in Shenandoah that other guides don't cover nearly as well.On the other hand, you should get the guidebooks for a specific area (like New River Gorge or Seneca Rocks) if you'll be doing a lot of climbing at a particular spot, because of its broad scope this guidebook won't include all routes for those areas, nor the smaller crags scattered around the region.There's a great guidebook called Climb Maryland! that treats all the central MD spots really well.

Very good MD/VA guide book
Eric's book is all encompassing for the DC metro area climber. It is well written and covers all of the popular climbs. I gave it 4 stars, because I would have liked to have seen just a hair more beta and info about individual climbs, but all-in-all this is a "must have."

In-depth? No. Comprehensive overview? Yes.
This FalconGuide is one of the better ones available, and for the travelling climber, or the DC-centric climber, probably THE book to have (there are non-Falcon guides that specifically cover Virginia and Maryland in more detail, but are only really useful if you primarily climb in those specific states). Eric Horst worked long and hard, contacting a plethora of local climbers at the various crags noted within these pages to get route information, do photo shoots, and be given tours of the area to get a general feel of the land. He covers some of the more or most popular areas in Maryland/DC/Virginia (Sugarloaf, Rocks State Park, Great Falls, Crescent Rocks) as well as *the* two big weekend destinations in West Virginia (Seneca Rocks, New River Gorge), but interspersed are numerous "local" crags that you might never have known about otherwise (short of locating one of the state-specific or crag-specific books that might or might not exist). This serves to give you options to go elsewhere when you can't make it to one of the more popular climbing spots, or if the weather is entirely TOO nice and hordes of people have descended on the main crags, alternate places to go and get vertical. Also, the number of small climbing areas gives the travelling climber options for places to go when they simply cannot get out to, say, Seneca when on the road down around, say, Charlottesville. Crack open Eric's guide and see what's nearby!

The route descriptions are pretty good, and nicely supplemented with a mix of topo photos and drawings (if you're not an artist and you've tried to draw a topo to a crag, you can appreciate how difficult it can be to get it just right!).

Eric successfully treaded the fine balancing act to not reinvent the wheel for places that already havae extensive guidebooks (e.g., Great Falls, et al), but at the same time, adequately cover crags that have or had absolutely no guidebook at all.

More than just a simple guide, Eric's book also gives you a little bit of climbing history to many of the crags, details travel/trip information, has nice readable maps. He spends 18 pages on a general introduction, then devotes the next 380 pages to the various crags.

Even if you only climb in Virginia, Maryland, or West Virginia, and already have one of the state-specific or area-specific guides, this is still an excellent book to have for the day when you might want to step across the border. :-)

great book
Very detailed, professionaly written, accurate. In fact provides more information on a given area than other publications. I climbedusing this book as a guide.

Accurate and Useful
This book provides accurate access and route information for over 25 climbing areas in the mid-atlantic region. And contrary to the previous review's comments (obviously "gabriel3493" has some personal issues), this book provides directions and route info only for OPEN climbing areas. In fact, the author spends a lot of time discussing access considerations and climber advocacy, and he definitely does not even encourage trespassing. Read the book, use the book, and you'll see it's "right on." ... Read more