Description
Book Synopsis: This magesterial and thrilling history argues that the story of American mountaineering is the story of America itself.In Continental Divide, Maurice Isserman tells the history of American mountaineering through four centuries of landmark climbs and first ascents. Mountains were originally seen as obstacles to civilization; over time they came to be viewed as places of redemption and renewal. The White Mountains stirred the transcendentalists; the Rockies and Sierras pulled explorers westward toward Manifest Destiny; Yosemite inspired the early environmental conservationists.Climbing began in North America as a pursuit for lone eccentrics but grew to become a mass-participation sport. Beginning with Darby Field in 1642, the first person to climb a mountain in North America, Isserman describes the exploration and first ascents of the major American mountain ranges, from the Appalachians to Alaska. He also profiles the most important American mountaineers, including such figures as John C. Frémont, John Muir, Annie Peck, Bradford Washburn, Charlie Houston, and Bob Bates, relating their exploits both at home and abroad.Isserman traces the evolving social, cultural, and political roles mountains played in shaping the country. He describes how American mountaineers forged a “brotherhood of the rope,” modeled on America’s unique democratic self-image that characterized climbing in the years leading up to and immediately following World War II. And he underscores the impact of the postwar “rucksack revolution,” including the advances in technique and style made by pioneering “dirtbag” rock climbers.A magnificent, deeply researched history, Continental Divide tells a story of adventure and aspiration in the high peaks that makes a vivid case for the importance of mountains to American national identity. 65 illustrations Read more
Details
Discover the captivating and thrilling history of American mountaineering with Continental Divide: A History of American Mountaineering. Written by Maurice Isserman, this magisterial account reveals how the story of American mountaineering is intricately entwined with the story of America itself. From landmark climbs to first ascents, Isserman takes you on a journey through four centuries of exploration and adventure in the mountains.
Mountains, once considered obstacles to civilization, transformed into places of redemption and renewal. The transcendentalists were stirred by the White Mountains, while the Rockies and Sierras pulled explorers towards Manifest Destiny. Yosemite inspired early environmental conservationists. The evolution of climbing, starting from the pursuit of lone eccentrics to a mass-participation sport, is vividly captured in this enthralling narrative.
Starting with Darby Field's historic climb in 1642, Isserman delves into the exploration and first ascents of major American mountain ranges, extending from the Appalachians to Alaska. Profiles of influential American mountaineers such as John C. Frémont, John Muir, and Annie Peck shine light on their remarkable achievements both at home and abroad. Their stories bring to life the evolving social, cultural, and political roles mountains played in shaping the nation.
Continental Divide not only explores the history of mountaineering but also highlights the sense of camaraderie and democratic values that define climbing in America. It unravels the impact of the postwar "rucksack revolution," showcasing the advances in technique and style made by pioneering "dirtbag" rock climbers. With 65 illustrations throughout, this deeply researched history is a testament to the adventure, aspiration, and unbreakable bond between mountains and American national identity.
Experience the awe-inspiring world of American mountaineering and discover why mountains matter. Order your copy of Continental Divide: A History of American Mountaineering today and embark on a thrilling journey through towering peaks and untold stories of courage and triumph. Click here to get your copy now!
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