2005. 282 pp, photos. Hans Kraus is one of the giants of American rock climbing, as he and Fritz Wiessner discovered the incredible New York cliff called the Shawangunks, and pioneered high standard rock climbing in America from the 1930's to 1960's.
Into the Unknown is the inspiring story of one man's successful quest for meaning, from hair-raising mountain adventures, to medical breakthroughs, to the inner circle of Camelot.
A book of adventure and hope, vividly portraying one man’s successful quest for meaning. A life covering the grand panorama of the 20th century, filled with tragedy and triumph, intense passion, verve, and a whole lot of guts, glory and wit.
Hans Kraus was a legendary rock climber, known for hair-raising ascents on two continents. Few realized he was the same man considered one of the great unsung medical pioneers of the 20th century, making headline news throughout the second half of the 1950’s, guest of honor at Eisenhower’s White House, cover story of major magazines throughout America, including Sports Illustrated.
His pioneering work in muscles and fitness uncovered a shocking truth about American children. And his work curing back pain brought him into the Kennedy White House and inner circle of Camelot. Here now is the life of Hans Kraus, including the never before told story of Kennedy’s back, based on new documentation, including Kennedy’s own White House back records and first time interviews with two Kennedy White House doctors. Kraus lived life so fully, so fearlessly, another famous climber said, “His cojones are so big he needs a bag to carry them in.” Paperback. SIGNED BY SUSAN SCHWARTZ.
“Bravo! Schwartz does an excellent job portraying a life that Hollywood could have scripted.” — James M. Clash, Adventurer columnist, Forbes Magazine, and author of To The Limits
“I kept turning the pages. Schwartz is a born story teller.”American Alpine Club, past President Jim McCarthy.
