Descriptions of rock climbing in the days before modern equipment are stunning. Note the hat worn by the lead climber in the photo opposite p.14. Abraham's prose is a tad lush for modern ears but carries the flavor of the era. In any case it is difficult to describe mountain climbing without sounding either over-the-top, or ridiculously under-stated.

 

While the descriptions of the climbing go without saying, a favorite part of the book (and where Abraham best finds his own voice) is the chapter describing the usefulness of that very modern invention, the automobile, for getting to the beginning of the climb without having to traverse endless flatland first. The automobile was truly in its first days, though, and Abraham describes one outing in which he suffered 13 tire punctures in one afternoon and finally stuffed the tire with hay for the last several miles to his destination. Hardcover, No DJ, Near Fine.