Michael Ward (dec. 2005) a surgeon and mountaineer, was directly involved in the pivotal events that led to success. In late 1950, while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the Brigade of Guards, he searched the neglected and uncatalogued archives of the Royal Geographical Society and discovered the forgotten Milne-Hinks map, as well as a series of hitherto unknown photos taken on covert flights over Everest in the late 1940s. Together these provided clear evidence of a feasible route from the south. From early 1951 onwards scientists from the Royal Society and Medical Research Council initiated and conducted definitive research into the problems of extreme altitude which provided the key to the successful first ascent.

A limited edition book celebrating the Fell and Rock Centenary.
Edited by Michael Cocker with a Foreword by Lord Chorley.

The Wasdale Climbing Book, kept at the Wastwater Hotel, was a unique record created by those charting the development of rock climbing in the Lake District. It began with early ascents of Pillar Rock and then formed a continuous record through to 1919.

This well-researched biography brings a greater understanding of one of the most controversial of American mountaineers. One chapter is devoted to the incredible rescue in 1966 of two Germans trapped high on the west face of the Petit Dru, which led to Hemming becoming the darling of the French media.

Hemming's stormy partnership with John Harlin and their epoch-making first ascent of the south face of the Aiguille du Fou, has fresh light thrown upon it, as there is upon Hemming's relationships with various women. The text builds into a profound psychological portrait of Hemming's complex and almost schizophrenic personality, and into the causes of his eventual suicide.

Short listed for Boardman Tasker Award 1999

Jock Nimlin is best known as a pioneering climber of the 1920s and 30s who made many first ascents, particularly at Arrochar but also of Raven's Gully on Buachaille Etive Mor. He was a legend amongst the working-class climbing fraternity in those years, remarkable for his climbing ability, his physical toughness and his total commitment to the outdoor life. With his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Scottish highlands and an innate talent as a communicator - both around the bothy fire and in the written word - he was a seminal figure in Scottish mountaineering.

In the 150 years since it's foundation in 1857 there have always been members of the Alpine Club who have carried sketch-books into the mountains, keeping a record of their endeavours and the peaks they had climbed. This book sets out to show something of the history behind the collection with illustrations of more than 100 pictures.

Winner Boardman Tasker Award 1991

Where is Fishgut Mac now? And how did Desperate Dan get started on the hill? Get the answers, along with tales of the Auld Crowd and the unexpurgated adventures of Erchie Boomer in this book by the authors of Mountain Days and Bothy Nights.