London, 1940, 1st edition. 330 pp, 24 plates. The first serious biography of the man who did the first ascents of Chimborazo and the Matterhorn. Whymper made the first ascents of Chimborazo, Cayambe, Antisana, Carihuairazo, Sara Urco, Cotocachi, Sincholagua. He was perhaps best known for his first ascent of the Matterhorn and the ensuing accident on the descent that killed half the party. At the end of his climbing career he travelled to the Canadian Rockies (1901 & 1903) to explore and climb in a publicity capacity for the C.P.R. (one chapter on this in the book). Most of the book is on climbs in the Alps, and very much is directly quoted from Whymper’s letters & communications. Hardcover, No DJ, cover worn, Good-Very Good.
