London, Longmans, Green & Co, 1875, First edition. 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. Hardcover bound in leather with marbled boards and endpapers Fine Condition.
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.
This copy is still in its green cloth original binding, with bright gold lettering on the spine and cover. The book has one flaw, the front cover was bent in the lower right hand corner, and the board under the cloth is cracked. However, it is not very visible [CAN BE FAINTLY SEEN IN OUR IMAGE] , and this is otherwise a bright, Near Fine copy.
