London, Longmans, Green & Co, 1875, First edition. Bound in tree calf, with gilt decoration. 341 pp. Illustrated with 6 full page plates including frontispiece, vignette to title page, and folding map. Illustrated with engravings by the famous climber and artist Edward Whymper, from photographs taken by H. Walker during the journey. Includes the primary account of the first ascent in 1874 of Elbruz’s (highest) Western Peak; by a party comprising the author, F. Gardiner, H. Walker and the Swiss guide Peter Knubel. A.W. Moore also accompanied them on their trek through the Western Caucasus.
Grove was one of the ablest British climbers of the day and president of the Alpine Club, 1884-6. He also led the condemnation of guideless climbing in the 1870s, against the Rev. Girdlestone. This work is the first edition of his account of climbing in the Caucasus, and is the account of the first ascent of Elbrus, one of the world's 'seven Summits' as the highest point in Europe.
Chapters cover the Upper Rion, the valley of the Upper Tcherek, Bezingi and the Kotchan Tau Group, Tchegem and the Gorge of the Djilki-Su, Urusbieh, the ascent of Elbruz, and the Nakhar Pass.
Lovely school prize binding, with gilt edges and marbled endpapers, plus bookplate to front endpaper. A little edgewear to boards and spine. Some sunning to pages and plates. Foxing to first and last few pages, a few light spots elsewhere. Binding solid. Condition is Very Good.
