London, 1893, 4th edition. 468 pp, 23 plates, 107 illustrations in text, 5 fold-out maps. Having learned the lesson of the cheap binding used on the 1st through 3rd editions, this one was bound by Zaehnsdorf, one of England's best bookbinders, in a handsome white linen cloth, decorated with gold snowflakes. But more importantly, the book was bound properly, so that nearly all copies of the 4th edition that have survived are in solid condition, while all 1st editions are falling apart. This copy is soiled on the cover and spine, minor edge wear, and inside there is a bookplate, but no foxing, writing, stains or other flaws. Very Good. (VG due to the dirty cover and slight separation of cover fabric from spine in places)
One of the most important books in the literature of mountaineering. The story of the 1st ascent of the Matterhorn, perhaps the most dramatic and controversial climb of the 19th century. The original editions of this book sold out about 1880 and remained out of print until this, the finest edition was published two years after the great success of Travels Amongst The Great Andes of the Equator.
Published in 1871, Scrambles Amongst The Alps is Whymper’s own story of his nine years spent climbing in the Alps. One of the first books devoted to the sheer thrill of mountaineering, it is a breathtaking account of the triumph of man over mountain in a time before thermal clothing, nylon ropes, global positioning systems, and air rescues. It also offers Whymper’s controversial story of the tragedy on the Matterhorn. One of the best adventure books of all time, Scrambles Amongst The Alps is an essential classic of climbing literature by one of mountaineering’s most legendary figures.
