Boston, AMC, 1890, 2nd edition. 168 pp, 11 plates. TEG. Handsome gold decorated green cloth. The first Colorado climbing book, an American classic. Chapin was born in Indiana and grew up near Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; he became wealthy in the pharmaceutical business in Hartford, Connecticut, which gave him the time and financial resources to pursue his hobby, mountaineering. Going first to Europe to climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, he next went west to Colorado to tackle some of its highest peaks.
He was one of the first to explore and write about the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. Chapin was also a photographer, and the book includes many of his glass-plate photographs taken on various climbs.
Chapin was a careful observer, though not overly scientific. He describes what he sees in the field and not what might be envisioned in a geology text. His writing style is clear and down-to-earth; his use of understatement is particularly pleasing: 'At the present time, with no particular route laid out, there is just enough sharp climbing on the peak [of Mt. Snaefell] to make the ascent interesting.' Anyone interested in mountain climbing or the look and feel of Colorado's high country in the 1880s will enjoy reading this book. This copy is Ex Lib, spine mark, internal marks, edge wear, Good-Very Good condition.
