GRAND CONTROVERSY: Pioneer Climbs in the Teton Range and the Controversial First Ascent of the Grand Teton 1992. 458 pp, photos. The finest and most complete history of climbing in the Tetons, from 1872-1934; this covers the disputed 1872 1st ascent of the Grand, 1st Exum ridge climb, etc. Thick softcover (no hardcover was issued).
Includes 73 historic black-and-white photos. Thoroughly researched, authoritative account of the controversy. Includes the story of legendary Paul Petzoldt's ascent. In 1872, James Stevenson and Nathaniel Langford claimed they had made the first ascent of the Grand Teton; however, they failed to leave a cairn or mark on the summit to prove their success. The second team claiming the summit in 1893 made the same error. So when Bill Owen summited in 1898 he claimed the first ascent and from that time on he controlled and shaped the mountain's history. The Grand Controversy is the story of the remarkable beginnings of Teton climbing, its pioneer era, and its fascinating, long unsettled controversy: Who really climbed the Grand Teton first?
