Customer Reviews (10)

Excellent condition
The book was delivered earlier than expected and it was in great condition. I highly recommend purchases from this seller.

very basic guide
This guide is not very good. We bought during our trip to Seneca rocks and quickly discovered that it was totaly useless. It only covers major areas and descriptions and directions are preety bad. If you are looking for good climbing guide for Maryland get 'Climb Maryland' by Indy Kochte

Good guidebook
This is a comprehensive guidebook.It includes pretty much every major climbing area in WV, VA, and MD.Its got a good detailed chapter on Old Rag mountain in Shenandoah that other guides don't cover nearly as well.On the other hand, you should get the guidebooks for a specific area (like New River Gorge or Seneca Rocks) if you'll be doing a lot of climbing at a particular spot, because of its broad scope this guidebook won't include all routes for those areas, nor the smaller crags scattered around the region.There's a great guidebook called Climb Maryland! that treats all the central MD spots really well.

Very good MD/VA guide book
Eric's book is all encompassing for the DC metro area climber. It is well written and covers all of the popular climbs. I gave it 4 stars, because I would have liked to have seen just a hair more beta and info about individual climbs, but all-in-all this is a "must have."

In-depth? No. Comprehensive overview? Yes.
This FalconGuide is one of the better ones available, and for the travelling climber, or the DC-centric climber, probably THE book to have (there are non-Falcon guides that specifically cover Virginia and Maryland in more detail, but are only really useful if you primarily climb in those specific states). Eric Horst worked long and hard, contacting a plethora of local climbers at the various crags noted within these pages to get route information, do photo shoots, and be given tours of the area to get a general feel of the land. He covers some of the more or most popular areas in Maryland/DC/Virginia (Sugarloaf, Rocks State Park, Great Falls, Crescent Rocks) as well as *the* two big weekend destinations in West Virginia (Seneca Rocks, New River Gorge), but interspersed are numerous "local" crags that you might never have known about otherwise (short of locating one of the state-specific or crag-specific books that might or might not exist). This serves to give you options to go elsewhere when you can't make it to one of the more popular climbing spots, or if the weather is entirely TOO nice and hordes of people have descended on the main crags, alternate places to go and get vertical. Also, the number of small climbing areas gives the travelling climber options for places to go when they simply cannot get out to, say, Seneca when on the road down around, say, Charlottesville. Crack open Eric's guide and see what's nearby!

The route descriptions are pretty good, and nicely supplemented with a mix of topo photos and drawings (if you're not an artist and you've tried to draw a topo to a crag, you can appreciate how difficult it can be to get it just right!).

Eric successfully treaded the fine balancing act to not reinvent the wheel for places that already havae extensive guidebooks (e.g., Great Falls, et al), but at the same time, adequately cover crags that have or had absolutely no guidebook at all.

More than just a simple guide, Eric's book also gives you a little bit of climbing history to many of the crags, details travel/trip information, has nice readable maps. He spends 18 pages on a general introduction, then devotes the next 380 pages to the various crags.

Even if you only climb in Virginia, Maryland, or West Virginia, and already have one of the state-specific or area-specific guides, this is still an excellent book to have for the day when you might want to step across the border. :-) ... Read more

Product Description
Thailand is a climber’s paradise—discover where to climb, where to stay, what to take, and more in this new guide!

·More than 350 sport routes, rated 1-5 stars for their appeal
·Up-to-date post-tsunami information
·Information on Thai history, culture, and geology, along with useful Thai language phrases
·Author royalties used for route rebolting efforts in Thailand, done in conjunction with the American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA)

This new guide contains everything climbers need to make the most of Thailand, both on the rock and off. You’ll find information on local transportation, lodging, sightseeing, guide schools, and gear shops, as well as how to preserve your gear from the wear and tear of warm salt water breezes, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Perfect...
This book has everything one would want for climbing on the Railey peninsula (...and more).Very helpful information.

Useful for 1st time visitor to Ton Sai
Sam's guide for Thailand is very useful for the first time visitor with lots of information and stories on locations, getting around and local culture.

there are a few routes missing in this book by now and the layout can be a little frustrating at times, with photo maps that are not as accurate as I would like. It is generally well laid out and freindly to use.

Alot of my mates had the updated 2007 guide from wee's and this seemed more up to date, crag wise, but I found the information on Thailand, language tid bits and hints on how to get around etc, it was perfect for someone who hadn't visited Ton Sai before and didnt know what to expect.

Good background book, out of date guidebook
I got this book and Wee Changrua/Elke Schmitz's "Rock Climbing in Thailand" (3rd ed, Dec 2005) guidebook.Sam's book is good in giving you background and route descriptions but it is hard sometimes to find climbs with his photos.Also some data is out of date.For example the Diamond Cave area, only 2-3 climbs go the full height of the wall to the roof but looking at Sam's book it looks like they all go to the roof.Wee's book is upto date on this.Also Wee has a new edition, availible in Railay and Tonsai with the newest info; such as Stalagasaurus losing it's defining stalactite.

Otherwise it's an ok book.

The Big Green Book: fluff and more
There are no fewer than four climbing guides for Thailand of which I am aware. Sirichai Pongsopon's "Thailand Rock Climbing Guide Book" (2005), Wee Changrua/Elke Schmitz's "Rock Climbing in Thailand" (3rd ed, Dec 2005), the King Climber's guidebook (not certain the date on this one), and, of course, Sam Lightner, Jr.'s "Thailand: A Climbing Guide" (2005).

Of all these guidebooks, Sam's guide is by far the thickest, weighing in at nearly 340 pages. Wee's/Elke's and Sirichai's come in in the mid-200s (the King Climber guidebook I opted not to pick up because it was my understanding from a number of other climbers that it was essentially a direct copy of an earlier edition of Wee's/Elke's, errors and all - so I have no hard supporting data for comparisons as with the other three; besides, I only had only so many bahts with which to buy guidebooks!). Sirichai's black and rad-like photo cover guide cuts right to the point: after about 20 pages of "fluff", his book breaks right into topos and listings of routes. There are no route descriptions, however, anywhere. If you come to a tricky spot, you'll have to puzzle it out for yourself (and just go for the next bolt/sling). He does include some notes about rebolting of routes when and where known (at the time of his writing).

Wee's and Elke's black cover guide has a bit more up-front fluff for the traveling climber: about 40 pages worth. But from there the guide dives straight into topos and route listings, with a few routes having brief notes. The book is also sprinkled with a few more fluff pages and advertisements in the routes section.

Sam's book has a bright, spring/aqua-green cover, with a photo of a climber on a route in Dum's Kitchen. His guide spends the first five full chapters - 95 pages - on "fluff", before he begins covering the climbing in general. He goes into a lot of detail for the traveling climber, much of it invaluable for the first-time visitor to Thailand (but already some of it out of date, as is the bane of all guides - information goes out of date before the books hit the stands) (for example, there are easily twice as many bungalow operations in Tonsai than what Sam lists, perhaps even three times as many; good to know for when you arrive and find nothing available at the listed ones). Good reading material for the plane flight to Thailand. For someone who has been to Thailand a couple of times, much of the material is still helpful, esp if you have not had the opportunity to experience everything that Sam has. For those climbers who more or less live in Thailand during the Northern Hemisphere winter months, it is probably superfluous information. Unless you haven't been paying much attention to the culture or environment around you...

One bit of fluff that Sam's guide has which the other guides do not is a section of color photos. While these do not give more information of the climbing walls/routes, they nicely add to the atmosphere of the region, giving a taste of what you might get to see/experience while you are there.

Unlike Wee's/Elke's and Sirichai's, Sam uses primarily photos for his topos (the other guys use exclusively drawings). In some cases the photo topos are quite helpful. In other cases, especially when some of the pertinent details are lost to inconsequential details, or to flat lighting, the drawings of the other guides are a better help for finding routes. If all else fails, one can always ask someone nearby what they are on in order to help orient oneself to the cliffs one is about to climb.

Sam's guide gives more route information than either Wee's/Elke's or Sirichai's, more of what U.S. climbers might expect in a guidebook. Personally I like a route description rather than "just follow the bolts, for crying out loud!" Occasionally, however, he bails on route descriptions in favor of some background information on the route and you're left to either follow the topo, the bolts/slings, and/or the chalk marks to climb it.

As with any guide, not all of Sam's info is accurate or correct (for the 2006 season, increase all the prices - such as longtail rides or bungalow costs - by 10-20 percent). Some of these are just typos, but a few could prove serious. For example, if you arrive with just one 60-meter rope, you are unlikely to try jumping on "The Groove Tube" (or it's neighboring two climbs) without a second rope as Sam notes it is 35-meters tall. However, upon arriving at the base of the climb you'll likely note everyone easily lowers off (or top-ropes) these three routes with a single 60-meter rope. While not critical, had the typo been the other way around...

One of the most negative aspects of Sam's book is his disparaging and often upturned-nose position of most of the easier routes in the region. His guide discriminates against people who don't climb "hard" stuff. He leaves the reader with the impression that if you don't climb 6a or harder, there's really not much there for you to do (and he's not always kind to the 6a routes, either). One area in particular, Shadow Wall, Sam completely dumps on, and refuses to even mention what routes lie within. While Wee/Elke and Sirichai also mention it's not a very nice area, they at least give topos and list routes for the wall. Upon visiting, I found that yes, some routes there are not worth climbing, and yes, the area is most definitely not Dum's Kitchen or Thaiwand, but there are still routes that are perfectly fine to climb - especially for the climber who does NOT climb at the lofty 7a or harder! For the most part Sam treats routes easier than 6a as unworthy and you shouldn't bother (if he even mentions them at all). Sam seems to forget that many climbers, however, only climb at the level of 4s and 5s, and might squeak onto 6a's, but don't do harder routes. Prior to my trip to Thailand I had only Sam's book to go by, and had the VERY wrong impression my climbing time there would be short and brief (as I don't climb 6a/6b in general; however, grades are soft out there, and I was able to get on a number of 6a's and 6b's). Upon picking up Sirichai's and Wee's/Elke's guides, I quickly understood there are a number of moderate level routes the non-elite/non-hardcore climber can get on and still enjoy oneself. And so between those and the 6a's/6b's I climbed, I managed to squeeze in 7 full and enjoyable days of climbing, and still not touch everything I wanted to get on.

Sam does maintain a webpage for updates to the guide (http://www.thailandclimbingguide.com/). However, he does clarify that he will only consider feedback from other climbers on corrections/updates, and will "eventually" put up that he deems worthy. Something to keep in mind when checking for updates (or sending in feedback).

Overall, as a standalone book for the general climber, I would rate Sam's guide 3.5 on a scale of 1-5 (but Amazon doesn't do half-stars, so I rated it '4'). The saving grace is all the extra fluff. If you were to use it as a supplement to Sirichai's or Wee's/Elke's guide (or both), or you climb exclusively at 7a and harder, it's a 4.5. ... Read more

Product Description
2007 revised and updated editon. paperback.States; in 2003 Jesus revealed a mission of great mercy to Anne, a lay apostle. The volumes , which anne recorded from locutaions, came from God the Father, Jesus, Mary, and many saints. This book contains the story of how this mission began and how it has blossomed into a world-wide apostolate, under the watchful eye and in complete obedience to the Catholic Church. Also featured, is a summary of Annes's Mystical Experiences of heaven and her personal call to holiness thant each of us must hear. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

As always, excellent service
I have never had any issues when ordering from Amazon.The books that I ordered and sent to each of my children was taken care of and very quickly.These are some pretty awesome books and my children really enjoyed them. Thank you so much.

Words can not describethe beauty of these books
I highly recommend that Climbing the Mountain be the first of the three books to be read because it lays down a foundation for the nest two. I have "finished" reading all three books written by Anne the Lay Apostle and I find myself returning several times a day to each one of them.I don't think that I will ever tire of them. They have taught me a whole different and simple way to live my life. These are the most beautiful and thought provoking books that I have read and have helped my spiritual growth so much. I can't believe how much impact they have had on my life and how they have changed my whole way of thinking. I feel so much closer to Jesus than I ever have before because I feel like all of His messages are directed totally to me. My son has read them and also feels the same way. Anne writes in a very humble and simplistic way similar to St. Therese's Story of a Soul. I highly recommend these books to anyone that is interested in reaching a higher level of spirituality. God bless Anne and all the new lay apostles of Jesus Christ the Returning King.

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN
WHEN I START READING I JUST DON'T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN A TRULY WONDERFULL BOOK
THANKS
GOD BLESS
DAVID

life changing
Anne the lay apostle is the most humble woman I have ever met.Her book Climbing the Mountain is life changing.This book made me realize heaven, hell, and purgatory is real.These writings of Jesus, Mary, and the saints are an unmeasurable grace from our Father, and all Anne did was obey! Wow, what an example she is! You will not be able to put this book down once it gets into your hands!Our Lord is talking directly to you!Believe me, there is no coincidence this book ends up at your front door! ... Read more

Product Description
Clinging to rocky outcroppings amidst jagged peaks, these determined climbers ascend to dangerous and challenging heights to reach the ultimate goal: a glorious summit. This Rock Climbing wall calendar takes a close look at this amazing sport. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Bought as a gift
for my brother-in-law who is a climbing fan. The pictures were beautiful.If you are a true fan of rock climbing this is for you.

Just what I wanted
This calendar is all that it looked to be.Great colorful pictures.Very happy with my selection!

Beautiful pictures, poor graphical design
The picture are fantastic and inspiring. Unfortunately I find that the layout, the almost-square dimension, and the white backgrounds severely diminish the beauty and impact of the pictures.

I definitively preferred my "Climbing" calendar from last year. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

a Good Review
If you have read Long and Gaines full length books about anchors then this book is a good reminder of setups and principle of anchor building.Don't grab some gear and this book and think that you build safe anchors, you've got to learn the basics first. ... Read more

Product Description
Favoring neither the "in-your-face" aggressive tactics of the "break-through-the-glass-ceiling" school of thought, nor the "sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice" little-girl approach, Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels shows women how to be outstandingly successful and personally actualized without becoming just like men.

There are 63 million working women in America, but only eight are top company CEOs. While women make up nearly 50 percent of the workforce, working women perform 90 percent of household and childcare duties. Women are left wondering, "Do I have to make a choice between my career or my life?" This book answers that question.

Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels is the first book to teach women:

• How to climb the corporate ladder and have fun doing it. • How to use 12 of their natural roles and talents to advance in Corporate America. • How to thrive in a downsizing and outsourcing global economy. • How to achieve both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life. • What to do when they hit the glass ceiling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Not a terrible book
This book is not terrible.I found it to be cliche at times, and it definitely contained a number of gender stereotypes, which the author would include and apologize for, which I found to be somewhat annoying.It's a quick read, so at least I didn't feel like I was wasting a lot of time.I have read a lot of books on women in corporations, and I didn't think this one was particularly new or innovative, and at times, the writing was poor.At the end of every chapter, there were exercises, and I did think those were helpful.For example, one suggestion was to write one hand written thank you note per week - not particularly innovative, but it is a good practice, I think, and a good reminder to do that.

In all, I think Lois Frankel's books are much better written, with much better advice.

Definitely Worth 10 Stars!
It was a pleasure having Kathleen Archambeau host a recent Bank of America Diversity Brown Bag event in Concord, California that featured "Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels".The buzz continues among male and female associates about Kathleen's book because it is not only a practical educational reference but an actionable guide for dealing with work/life balance. The book supports a core value we have taken to make our workplace a family friendly environment through inclusive meritocracy.

Quick Read. Excellent Advice.
"Climbing the Corporate Ladder..." is a practical guide to career success. Extremely well-written. Inspires lots of "ah-ha" moments. Helps young and seasoned professionals remember to find a better work and life balance. Encourages readers to consider success from all angles. I loved it!

It's Climbing the Corporate Ladder period.
Not just for women. Kathleen provides important tips that all men can use to further their own careers. Provided in an easy to read and use format.

A must read for all women
Full of insight and inspiring stories that will make any woman, regardless of her chosen field or career path, search her heart for the answers she needs to live a rewarding and fulfilling life.This book brings light and awareness to the often difficult and confusing choices we make along our journey through life.With humor and wit, Kathleen challenges us to look into the deeper parts of ourselves to identify what our true hearts desire is and then guides and empowers us with tools to achieve it. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Guidebook
This new guide is pretty sweet. The color photos are a nice touch and make route finding a snap. Plus it's nice to have the routes from the various new supplement route books consolidated into one book so you really only need this one (for now). The only beef I had with the book is that there is no Routes by Rating Index like in most guidebooks. Other than that I think the Falcon guide is a great purchase.

Long Overdue!
Thanks for putting this together and publishing!Much needed and long overdue!Excellent photos and information, highly recommend!

It was worth the wait
This long awaited edition has gotten a little thicker with the addition of over 700 new routes. The drawn topos appear to be all re-drawn and the extensive use of photo-topos are a great addition. New visitors to the park should have no problem finding the route of their choice. The bouldering section of the book has been expanded quite a bit (45 pages total) and now includes photo-topos and V-scale ratings for problems. This edition is broken down into the same logical area specific chapters.

Disappointingly, many of the route and area descriptions have been toned down. For instance, gone is the classic Shiprock description "Only blockheads with enough experience to know better should try." Am I nit-picking at this point? Yes. There isn't much to criticize about the 2nd edition. Get this book and feel free to leave the 1st edition, Smith Rock Select, and all the supplements at home. ... Read more

Product Description
·Skills and strategies unique to big walls-illustrated in full color ·Includes modern speed and free climbing tactics that have revolutionized wall climbing ·Key training exercises (practiced near the ground) and real life examples reinforce instruction

Dangling sweaty-palmed from a 3000-foot cliff for days on end, Jared Ogden taught himself to climb his first big wall by trial and error. Why should you have to do the same? Ogden, who has climbed El Capitan's Nose in less than twenty-four hours, wants to jump-start your education.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-on wall addict, you'll learn the tools of the trade and how to use them; different leading and hauling scenarios and why some are better suited than others; multiple following set-ups for different terrain; how to choose your partners and routes; staying on route; how to live on a wall; the steps involved in doing first ascents; big wall style and ethics; and more. Ogden will have you racked and ready for prime big wall climbing destinations in North America including Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain, and the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Parks; the Alaskan Range; and the Bugaboos of British Columbia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great book
This book covers tons of information about big wall and is both motivating and informative.

Precise, clear and with an excelent quality


Clearly written with no bulktext at all, excelent colored print so the diagrams and photos are simple to understand.

It assumes you are an intermidiate (or advanced in some topics) climber, and of course, the book is about the mother of all disciplines of rock climbing, bigwalls.

Required reading!
An invaluable guide to artificial and big wall climbing from one of the real masters.Very well written, friendly and comprehensive in its scope. HIghly recommended!

Reasonably detailed, good reference book
Provides a good background to the basic aid climbing process.Better than the Long/Middendorf book in my opinion, though some things are covered better in the latter. Long's book, as always, is a more enjoyable read.

Good for Multipitch and Beginner Big Wallers
Chapters are easy to read...color yes color pictures give clear examples of setups! Great book to review multipitch techniques and big wall climbing alike!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

It is what it is
This book covers rock climbing concisely and accurately. I recommend this book for anyone looking to get into rock climbing.

Most helpful for Beginners
This was the 3rd book I purchased for Beginners and it was actually the first one that truly was for Beginners to rock climbing.It assumes noprior knowledge and explains everything in understandable terms and sufficient detail.Best buy of the three books purchased.Additionally the prose is entertaining as well as informative.

thought the title fitting
Since I'm basically a novice, thought a comprehensive book on the basics a good place to start.Not to mention the fact that I often feel like an "idiot" around my fellow climbers who all seem to have many years experience under their belts (make that harnesses).

Overview
As a new person to the sport of Rock Climbing and an educator looking to introduce the ideas into the curriculum, this book along with others made for a great resource, breaking things down to simple concepts and terms to be taught in sequence.

Not much more than an overview of the sport
I hate to disagree with the other reviewers, but I guess your satisfaction with this book depends on your expectations.After reading the other reviews I bought this book on-line.I'm the type of person that wants to learn as much about a sport before I seek instruction so I'll have a good background and understand better what I'm being taught.The good: 1) light and humorous in places, 2) gives a good written description of the various aspects of the sport.The bad: 1) when you're trying to learn things, light and humorous gets old quickly, 2) the sidebars are repetitious and distracting, 3) after a while the stories about the author and her friends seem less like information and more like ego trips, 4) (my biggest complaint) there is little valuable detail.Specifically, very few illustrations or helpful pictures.Examples; she talks briefly about harnesses and harness components, but there's no picture or illustration.She talks about different carabiners, belay/rappel devices, and protection pieces, but no illustration.Half of the knots mentioned (and not many, at that) have no illustration (but she takes half a page to try to verbally describe some).Do you want to see an illustration of tying in to the harness, belaying and rapelling setups, how to use anchors or protection, hand and foot jamming, or anything else?It's not there.Instead, there are low-contrast pictures of her friends, which don't help with any of this information.Chapter 16 (Sum-It Up: Advanced Tips) has a picture (taking up 1/3 of the page) of two people on the ground standing next to each other with the caption "Choose your partner wisely."Is that helpful to anyone?

Here's the bottom line in my opinion: this book was written with today's legal system in mind.Anywhere important information should be placed, the author inserts phrases such as "This isn't the place to show you the simple knot that wraps cleverly around the biner; that should be left to the instructor".And what happens when you forget the knot after you're training class?Where's the reference information?

My basic setup for reading this book was to sit in front of the computer and when I needed to see something that wasn't shown (pretty much everything) I did a Google search and looked at web sites.Not the most efficient or enjoyable way to read a book or learn.My wife saw my frustration and did what I should have done; she went to the bookstore and picked out another book for a Father's Day present.I don't know how The Complete Climber's Handbook compares to all the other climbing books, but it has all the information that Idiot's Guide does not.Tons of illustrations (and lots of text) on equipment, knots, moves, and rope setups.Having suffered through Idiot's Guide, I feel like I've found the holy grail.

They say you retain 20% of what you read and 75% of what you see.I believe that.

In summary, if you're the type of person that wants a $ light-hearted verbal description of the sport (without much detail), then Idiot's Guide is the book for you.Although you could also get this type of information (and more) through free brochures by Eastern Mountain Sports.If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more in-depth overview AND tons of reference information and illustrations, then look somewhere else. ... Read more

Product Description
Scattered throughout New Jersey and just over the bordersof Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York are a variety of cragging andbouldering areas worthy of any climber's tick list.From the steep,multipitch routes at the Delaware Water Gap to the excellent boulderingin New York City's Central Park; from the roofy routes at Ralph StoverState Park to the basalt boulder fields around Princeton and SourlandMountain; from the boulders of the North Jersey Highlands to the cleangranite slabs of Allamuchy State Park, this book offers comprehensivecoverage of the best climbing New Jersey and the surrounding areas haveto offer.Rock Climbing New Jersey includes maps, photos, and toposcomplemented by clear written descriptions that will get you to theclimbing areas and help guide you up the routes.Pertinent accessinformation and trip planning tips complete the package to make thisbook an indispensable tool on your next Garden State climbing adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Worth it's Weight
This book is essential for the NJ/NYC climber. It details numerous climbing spots (of surprisingly good quality) that you never expected from the Garden State! It also is honest and accurate with area information and route grades.This way you know if you really want to drive that far for a 20ft wall.But at least you know its there and that the book left no stone unturned! If you're in the area, or visit often, this book is a must have.

Tells where to go and what to do if you climb & live in NJ
New Jersey Crags is exactly what you need if you rock climb and live in N.J.It gives great directions to each destination, including a detailed description of the approach.This book lets you know what your gettinginto, as far as the actual routes go and whose property your climbing on. After climbing some of the areas in the book I was was not dissappointed bythe accuracey of the ratings, and the discriptions of each climb. It is anessential for a climber in N.J., who does not have the time to drive to theGunks every weekend. ... Read more

Product Description
Although I've experienced what it's like to get overextended, I've never been poor without options or help, writes Hagmann. My faith tells me that being a Christian must affect who I am and how I behave with my wealth. Christ has something to say about the way I live my daily life, from how I treat others to how I spend my money.
Do you make everyday economic decisions that reflect your Christian faith and values? Or are you living large in a material world?

Using the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9) as its inspiration, CLIMBING THE SYCAMORE TREE is a six-week study of faithful stewardship.

Hagmann uses both scripture and current consumer statistics to show how our buying habits often marginalize certain people and perpetuate systems that contradict good stewardship and love for God's creation. Following the experience of the tax collector Zaccheus, the study seeks to deepen the link between the faith we profess and the lifestyle we live.

Designed as a study for individuals or groups, CLIMBING THE SYCAMORE TREE provides accessible insight in how our economy functions and in how we spend our money relates to spiritual formation. The study asks provocative, discerning questions about our daily choices and calls us to a path of simple everyday living that's in harmony with our Christian beliefs.

The study is divided into three sections of two weeks each. Each week's readings consist of five lessons and a group session that includes scripture, discussion questions, guides for reflection or activity, and prayer.

Open yourself to transformation that more clearly reflects the daily living of the faith we profess! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Early days yet
I bought this as an aid for possible bible Study
At present I'm working through it and I think it has potential
Nothing earth shattering but good solid theology

had to put it down
We read this book for my Bible Study and although there are some good things here and there, it was not the best written nor organized book. I am married to a man who might as well be an Economist and he verified that a lot of her "economic" stuff was way off, just not very logical. It was almost as if she were out of her skill set writing about this subject. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Washington is home to some of the nation's most inspiring and rugged mountains. Rocky summits, glaciers, high mountain lakes, deep glacier-carved valleys, and long, exposed ridges are just some of the rewards awaiting hikers and climbers in the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.

From moderate walk-ups and alpine scrambles in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Olympic Mountains, to technical routes in the North Cascades, and including all of the state's 9,000-footers and high volcanoes, Climbing Washington's Mountains provides the information needed to climb 100 of the state's outstanding summits. Look inside for detailed descriptions of each peak and recommended routes, including: an introduction to each peak - geology, history, scenic highlights, and more; summit details, including elevation and elevation gain, route names and ratings, and trip distance and duration; detailed approach maps and illustrated descriptions of routes; route variations, alternate summit routes, and information on other mountains in the area. (6 x 9, 416 pages, b&w photos, maps) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Definitive, but aging
Smoot's "Climbing Washington's Mountains" is still the best guidebook available for a wide variety of climbs across Washington state. The routes are thoughtfully chosen to provide a wide variety of climbs from easy to very challenging, from afternoon jaunts to multi-day marathons in all regions across the state. I've done about 20 of his recommended climbs, and regularly climb with friends who have done more than half of his recommended climbs.

Unfortunately, the book was published back in 2002 and is beginning to show its age. For example, I departed on his recommended route for Mt Hinman, only to drive three hours from Seattle to find the forest road permanently closed years prior, ruining my planned weekend ascent. My climb of Mt Chikamin was *much* longer than he described as it's degenerated into a 6 mile bushwhack (instead of the smooth approach hike he described). The approach road to the Monte Cristo peaks that he describes has been washed out for years that adds significant approach difficulty to the routes he describes.

With that said, there are no guidebooks for Class 2-5 climbing printed more recently than 2003, so this is unfortunately a problem with any climbing guide currently available. Smoot's recommended climbs have given me a great smattering of adventures in all regions across Washington, his writing style is clear, and his descriptions (and alternate routes) are generally accurate and trusthworthy. A photocopy of his route description has become a 10th essential for all my Washington climbing.

Another downfall of this guide is the lack of an index or information charts for quickly categorizing climb difficulty and length.

Peggy Goldman also has a very good book on Washington scrambles. I would recommend owning them both, but if I could only own one, I'd take Smoot's as it is more straightforward.

Thin on info
I was very disappointed with this book overall. It has some good data in it but is lacking in other areas, such as trailhead elevations and other pertinent information. I found that I needed to consult other sources whenever I climbed a mountain that was listed in this book.

Worth The Money!
This book gave me a great description of the routes to some of the most scenic and captivating peaks in Washington. I especially liked the way he gave other options to chose from if you didn't like the route he chose. The only problem I had was a very minor one, I felt he could have added several more Olympic peaks like the bailey range, stone, and some lesser known (which means less crowded) peaks like McCartney or Warrior. Other than that this book is a must have for everyone from a scrambler to a technical mountaineer looking to climb the Highest peaks of Washington

A very useful resource
Smoot bills his book as a "Selected Climbs" for the rest of us. I'm not quite sure I buy that, but I do think this book deserves a spot on the shelf nestled in between "Selected Climbs" and Beckey.

Compared to Goldman's "75 Scrambles", it is noticably better in some respects: it covers a wider range of climbing (all the way from class 2 to easy class 5); it covers a wider variety of climbing (more snow routes); and it does a better job at providing and describing options beyond just the most popular route.

Usefull Guide
I think the book is great because it combines
routes from 4 different books.
3 of Beckeys,one the Guide to the Olympics.
It shows the approch roads, trails, every thing on the same page.
I don't have to figure out which Face or route to do
he has already picked the best routes.
There is a lot of climbs that I have wanted to do
but haven't done them because I wasn't sure about the
trails or logging roads in the area.
Now I can do them.
A lot of the climbs seem to be easy on the technical side.
I like that, Now I don't need a partner just
take off on the spur of the moment and go climb something.
There are also some good moderate climbs for a
weekend party of climbers.
I think he has made a good choice of mountains,
the "must do" ones for Alpine climbers.
They are cool looking and in scenic areas.
Some thing for everyone except the hard core rock jock.
The best thing about the book is the author has done
all the home work, you don't have to wade
through a bunch of stuff. Just Climb ... Read more

Product Description
The most comprehensive look at the subject yet. AdvancedRock Climbing picks up where John Long's How to Rock Climb leaves off,describing the climbing techniques and rope tricks of the modern rockclimber. The guide covers both sport and traditional climbing, andself-rescue techniques, in Long's easy-to-read, entertaining style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

You should know what you don't know after reading this book
As other reviews have mentioned, you get a little bit of everything in this book, and I think that's what it is good for.

I picked this book up when I was moving from a beginning top rope/gym climber to a more advanced multi-pitch trad climber. This booked helped me know what concepts I had a strong grasp on, and what concepts I needed to study further.

If you are already comfortable with your climbing technique then there are many better books such as those published by "The Mountaineers Outdoor Experts Series".

If you know you still have a few things to learn, then by all means, pick up this book and you will get a good idea of what you do and don't know.

very good
These books (how to climb series)are a must for the climber who doesn't allways have a lot of experienced people around.Many great tips.good for referencing back to.Good explanations.And even enjoyable to read.

well worth the money if you want to get into the sport
Long has done it again. A.R.C. goes through the more advanced maneuvers of climbing. It is a must have for climbers who want to be more than a indoor or weekend climber, and who want to be able to climb more than 5.9 TR's.

Excellent book on this sport
I get acrophobia just from standing on a deep-pile carpet, so this isn't something I'm ever going to do myself, but I still found it interesting to read about it. I think the people who do this are some of the bravest people I know (as well as probably being completely nuts. :-)). Just looking at some of the pictures showing climbers going up almost featureless, smooth, sheer walls along a little crack set my heart to pounding a little bit.

The book contains a wealth of detail and information on rock climbing and much space is devoted to climbing techniques and strategies. I didn't know there were so many different kinds of grips and holds one could perform, and how they'd been adapted to specific situations and needs, but it was very interesting reading about that, and I discuss some of that further below.

The book is divided into seven chapters: Face Climbing, Crack Climbing, Rapelling, Sport Climbing, Adventure Climbing (this was one of the most interesting chapters), Training, and Self-Rescue.

Each outdoor sport has its own special vernacular and and special skills and techniques and rock climbing is no different. As I said, there's so much info here it would be hard to pick and choose a topic, but I did want to mention one thing I found interesting, which was the crack climbing and crack skills. The authors say you have to become "crack fluent" and must develop at least some competence in this since they point out that historical big walls and free routes invariably follow crack systems. To become a true "crack-master" requires patience, practice, and technique. Cracks vary greatly. Some cracks are so small that all you can do is use fingers jams. Other cracks are bigger and you can get your whole hand in the crack and use a hand or a fist jam, and several of those are discussed too.

Cracks are noted for requiring "an even combination of applied technique and physical enfurance." One of the special techniques for very narrow cracks is the "finger stack" and "butterfly jam." In the former you put your hand into the crack and stack the index. middle, and ring fingers against one another and vigorously twist downward. The butterfly jam involves placing the thumb into the crack and stacking the fingers against it. These are just a few of the dozens of special techniques that were discussed and that I learned about in this book. All of the different finger and hand jams and other techniques are fully illustrated so you can see exactly what's going on.

The authors also spend some time discussing the dangers of free-soloing and climbing in general. One author (C.L.) said he knows 14 climbers who had died in the last 6 years alone. This sobering statistic certainly points up the dangers of rock climbing, and yet the authors say that more and more people are being attracted into the sport. So as I said, while I doubt I'll ever try this myself, I found itinteresting to read about and learn something about what's involved.

This is an excellent book on the subject which will be of use mainly to already experienced and skilled participants in this interesting and exciting but very risky sport.

A little bit about a lot of topics
This book gives a little bit of information about a lot of different topics. Therefore, you may find a tidbit here or there that adds to your knowledge. However, because the book covers so many topics, the amount of in depth detail is very limited. For this reason, rather than getting this book, I would prefer to spend my money getting more specialized books on specific climbing topics rather than trying to get a little bit about everything from this book. If this is the only advanced climbing book you are going to buy and your experienced friends can fill in the blanks, then it would be a good introductory book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
KILIMANJARO & EAST AFRICA 2ND

Customer Reviews (10)

great comprehensive guide
Very good comprehensive guide.As with any climbing guidebook it is difficult to tell exactly the route you are supposed to take just by the description, but it is a good effort with diagrams which do help.Interesting bits of history keep it from being boring.
-Deborah Steinberg

An Extraordinary Guide and Historical Source Book
Steve Porcella and Cameron Burns spent at least two summers collecting information from historical figures while putting up new
routes to all fifteen of the >14K foot peaks in California.This book is chockfull of history gathered directly from some of the early
climbers of these Sierra peaks.Many of the approaches to these peaks are arrived at by hiking (which is half the fun when in the
Sierras).As both authors are world class climbers and besides supplying detailed maps and routes traced onto photos of the peaks,
they have included many B&W photos of such points of interest as approach scenery, actual routes, historical contributors, as well
as many photos of themselves climbing the routes.Thoroughly enjoyable, this book is as interesting for the armchair climber as
for individuals wishing to expand their climbing horizons by exploring these magnificent mountains in California.

A Must-Buy
Porcella and Burns do an amazing job on describing CA Fourteeners.I don't think I've ever seen a climbing guide of this caliber within the last 10 years.Very insightful historical information and great descriptions.A Must-Buy!

Lacks details on routes, great historical sections
Porcella and Burn's book is really the only book about climbing California 14'ers.It's a great starting point for climbing in the state with extensive historical sections and nearly every available route up each of the 14'ers in the state.In other words, it will get you pointed in the right direction and to the trailhead to do the climb.

Unfortunately, the book is sorely lacking in route description details.The authors say to use both the pictures and descriptions of the routes to make your way up the mountain, but there are cases of descriptions without pictures.The book is most dangerous for beginning to intermediate climbers for its lack of approximate times to each location degree of difficulty, and lack of attention to detail on the "lesser" routes.

Take Mt. Tyndall's Northwest Ridge.It takes a strong hiker about 8 hours just to reach the base.The description describes the route as "easy" and up a twisting rocky trail.In fact, the trail doesn't exist and most of the climb up this ridge requires negotiating large, unstable boulders.The authors do admit the summit ridge is exposed, but do not mention there are some class 3 moves at this point.Without approximate times to the summit there is no way of knowing how long or how difficult the climb is.Furthermore, there is only a description of the climb and not a clear picture of the route.I actually told friends that climbing Mt. Illimani (6400 meters), which required some technical ice climbing, and 4 days of climbing was easier than climbing Mt. Tyndall (approximately 18 hours).

Lack of details are also evident in their poor description of the West Face route of Mt. Williamson.There is no mention of good spots to camp after reaching Shepherds pass.Williamson bowl requires fairly strenuous hiking since it is largely boulder field between several moraines.Porcella and co., describe crossing this as "entering the Williamson bowl from the north," which, judging from the topo quad and this description, makes it sound like an easy walk.The description fails to describe the route correctly, with the description sounding like you continue up the mountain when the picture shows a turn to the south.Finally the authors chose to take a picture of the climb from an angle that most climbers would not see from the southern approach.

Porcella and Burn's rating system often seems haphazard.One climb on Mt. Shasta was rated as Class 3-4, but I found this climb to be far easier than the Class 2 climbing on Mt. Tyndall.

There is a lot to cover here, but the easier routes certainly could use more description and approximate times.Yes mountaineering is dangerous, difficult, and strenuous, but lack of detail is not an excuse for the "c'est la vie" attitude Porcella and Burns use for their descriptions.In fact more description would help climbers be more prepared for the routes they choose.

Needs work!!
After moving to CA from CO, and having used Colorado 14er guidebooks by Dawson and Roach, I was disappointed by this book. While there are many fine photographs, wonderful climbing history of the peaks, a slew of routes, and many routes superimposed on photographs, there were many elements that I find essential, that were missing. Topographic maps of the areas in question (with routes drawn on them), round trip distance information, elevation gain, and an estimated (conservative) completion time are essential pieces of information when planning a trip, and are not included here. While the difficulties of the various routes are described well, these other descriptors would make the book twice as good as it is now. Dawson's format, at the beginning of each route description, listing the aforementioned deficiencies (with the exception of the maps) is excellent. From the guidebooks I've looked at though, this is the best available. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (39)

great narrative
This book is informative and entertaining, especially from a woman's perspective.I recommend it.

Climbing Mountains from my Recliner
Arlene Blum's 'Breaking Trail' is surely one of the finest books about climbing mountains that I've ever read. Captivating and heart-wringing from the very start until the last words of the last page, this book has stayed on my mind for weeks. The striking views of mountains, and of women's treatment by men is phenomenal. Arlene's story was so powerful, and so intriguing, I have visited her webpages many times since finishing her book. I also was prompted to purchase and read her 'Annapurna' book, too. It's fabulous! In 'Breaking Trail,' Arlene dscribes the Himalyan Fair that's held in her area, in Berkeley, CA. This May, my husband and I will be going to this event, having been inspired by this book to do so. We can hardly wait! If you want to read a page-turner, and a knuckle-biter, and a love story, and a life changing book, then please do read this one, 'Breaking Trail'.

A must-read for almost everyone
I bought this book at random, knowing nothing about it, when I needed something to read on the airplane. I absolutely could not put it down. I had heard Blum speak once and admired her climbing and work to get unsafe fire retardants off the market, but I had no idea of the depth of her life, the intense struggles she faced in both the scientific and climbing worlds, and her incredible ability to write about both feelings and adventures. There's really nothing meaningful I can add to the glowing reviews already posted, except to say READ THIS BOOK. It will entertain and inspire you and might even change your life.

a thrilling story and a metaphor
Arlene Blum's story is both a wonderfully written action story and a metaphor for anyone who dares to try to break the mold. You will not be able to put it down. On one page you will hold your breath, wide eyed and pulse racing, on the next page you will feel indignation and sorrow, on the page after that you will feel joy and peace. Arlene tells a well crafted, connected story that I, as a female hiker, responded to. You don't have to be an outdoors person to appreciate her story. Anyone who ever wanted to reach for their dreams, whatever they are, will find inspiration in Arlene Blum's story.

A hero for every woman
I loved this book. Arlene Blum has lived a full, adventurous, and fascinating life. The book ties together her Jewish childhood experiences with her academic and climbing accomplishments. And although I take a completely different stance from her approach to raising a family - she and her lover deliberately chose to try to conceive while never intending to marry and then Arlene raised her daughter basically on her own (the father has contact but lives in distant Australia) - Her writing enables me to understand the reasons for the choices she made. Arlene is able to take an honest look at her approach to the many obstacles she faced in her life. It is her ability to overcome that inspires. ... Read more

Product Description
The only English-language guidebook to South America's highest mountain, featuring 27 routes from the three major approaches and thoroughly researched advice on lodging, permits, equipment, seasons, weather and more.

Reaching the highest summit in the Western hemisphere requires careful preparation and detailed instruction. R. J. Secor draws upon his extensive mountaineering experience to give climbers all that's necessary to top Aconcagua's 22,841-foot peak. This updated and revised guide features comprehensive information on recommended equipment, safety and health precautions, and conservation issues. It details both the popular and less-traveled routes reached via the Horcones Valley, South Face, and Vacas and Relinchos Valleys. Also included are a climbing history of Aconcagua and a glossary of valuable Spanish mountaineering phrases.With 50 b&w photos and maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Good general reference book
Use it as a first read on aconcagua, but not as a specific guidebook. It's too general, but it's a good first read, or a good book to give you a more general idea of your options when planning an ascent in this fun mountain.

Sent The Wrong Book
This company sent a book of a different title. I had to send it back. It happens. I guess.

An excellent guide to Aconcagua
Aconcagua is one of the more accessible of the 7,000 metre peaks of the world.As such, it attracts a large number of trekkers as well as climbers each year.Some of them also die on the mountain in bad years.

While most novice climbers will probably go with one of the recognised climbing companies from Mendoza, a guide such as this excellent volume is an essential requirement in understanding and planning a climb of Aconcagua.

Waste of money and time: Incredibly out of date
I found this book a total waste of money, starting from totally useless route descriptions with incorrect altitudes of the camps and non-existing penitentes fields featured in them and finishing with an awfully bad and old photos. Basically, one will gain more by doing search for your planned route on Google.

Good intro, not enough about routes
This book is a good intro to Aconcagua (history, geography, etc), it helps plan a trip with good tips on preparation and local arrangements.However, it does not spend enough time describing the trails and the difficulties of each route.Even the normal route, the most popular one, is not described in depth. ... Read more

Product Description
Rock climbing anchors are the foundation of all safeclimbing experiences.Placing and configuring solid, secure anchors ina variety of situations is the focus of climbing anchors.John Long,author of the definitive instructional text How to Rock Climb!, appliesthe same entertaining and straightforward style to this manual and givesreaders the lowdown on natural anchors, removable gear anchors such asnuts and camming devices, and fixed gear anchors.The crucial dynamicsof equalization and opposition are thoroughly discussed, and usefulknots are illustrated in a clear, easy-to-understand style.ClimbingAnchors provides the knowledge you need to keep you -and yourpartner-safely attached to the vertical world.Amazon.com Review
The most valuable skill you can acquire as a traditionalclimber is the ability to build sturdy, reliable anchors. Withoutthat, no amount of natural talent or dumb luck will allow you to livea long, healthy life as a rock climber. Fortunately, John Long's guideto climbing anchors is a definitive source, with sections on natural,equalized, haul bag, and rappelling anchors. Whether you're usingspring-loaded, camming devices or the old-school, passive tri-cams,Long presents a number of creative options for nearly every possiblesituation. Long is a patient teacher and his writing is clear andconcise, but it's the hundreds of illustrations that really drive hislessons home. --Benjamin Tiffany ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

quite godd and exhaustive
very nice, accurate and exhaustive series of examples of climbing anchors. It is an invaluable instruction for both novice and expert climbers.
Especially if you like to climb on wild rocks and make your own way, you will profit by John Long's teaching.

This is the gold standard for rock climbers
Perhaps my title is a bit over stated, but seriously, Long does an excellent job of setting down some concrete rules that rock climbers will be well advised to follow if they intend to manage the risk involved in this sport.Nothing is perfect, and Long esplains well how logic and good judgement, proper training and experience are keys to safe climbing, along with knowledge attained from books.Having said that, I suppose I would have to say I am experienced (at least at some low level) in climbing and know something about safety and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who relies on an anchor for belay or protection. Climb on, be as safe (or unsafe) as you like, but do it understanding something about anchors so you can properly evaluate and manage the risk while doing so.John Long as made a real contribution to the sport and personally I take much of his advice as my bible, especially when my climbing buddies are relying on anchors I set.

Very Close to a Personalized Lesson
For the climber, uninitiated or not, Long has given a very practical instruction on building and analyzing anchors.The first section of the books explains anchors and equipment used to build them.For a moment I thought I would be relying on translating the text to a picture in my head--requiring multiple reads.But the second section (pictures and detailed analyses of anchors) brought the entire book and its concepts together as well as any writer could.It was clear that Long put a lot of thought and labor into preparing the analysis section for the reader.This is the most you can get out of an instruction book without actually hiring an instructor.Additionally, Long's prose is very entertaining and witty in a realm where the material could be incredibly dry, keeping the pages turning.

Reason for 4/5 instead of 5/5: there are some concepts, such as the belayer's place in the anchor, that could have been included in this book without consulting another text.However, more than your money's worth from this book--a must for the trad and aid climber.

Read it. Get the sequel.
I survived my early years of climbing the old fashioned way: sheer, undeserved luck.

When I got back into it a few years ago, I decided that living until middle age might not be all that bad after all, so why not learn to do things right.

John Long's books on anchors (this one and More Climbing Anchors) were central to my re-education. Long's combination of experience, logic, and wit make these technical books fun to read. I find myself returning to them often.

The black and white pictures can be hard to decipher sometimes, and it does seem like we're due for the updated edition (which is supposed to be on the way). Until then, these books are the best resource on the subject.

Essential reading for trad climbing/natural anchor setup
This book is extremely valuable for learning how to place protection or setting up anchors for trad climbing or top rope anchor setup. My friends and I carefully studied this book and went out and practiced placing gear and setting up anchors from the ground. When we went and took an anchor building class, we learned a lot of good tips, but the information we learned from this book helped us rapidly advance in our class. This book also is very helpful after you learn your basics because you can analyze various anchor setups and compare it to the analysis in the book. One drawback of this or any other book is that a picture is never as good as inspecting protection on your own at various angles close up. For this reason, you will want to go climbing with a more experienced partner or an instructor so they can give you more detailed feedback on your own protection placement skills. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (14)

The Practical Reason For Latin And Greek
Simmons makes very good arguments for the learning of the classical languages. However, for those pragmaticists out there, let me give one more. The greatest reason for learning Greek and Latin is that learning languages is the best way to develop the memory faculty. In this day, there are so many good translations of the classics, reading the texts in the original makes little difference. There real difference is in the memory capabilities of the students. If one learns both their Latin and Greek, they can quickly learn English, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Portuguese.In this global economy, that would be an asset. Students from around the world come to our universities and overpower our children academically, because they speak three to six languages.

If this in still not clear, the number one reason students drop out of law, medical, or business school, is that they are overwhelmed by the shear amount on information they are expected to learn. The students who do the best in any university, are the ones who speak multiple languages. This is the Information Age, and the person who can memorize more information will always out perform the person who has to Google it first.

We learn languages to develop our memory first; that it comes from the Great Books of Western Civilization is just a perk. Today, news media, books and new technology bombard us with new information constantly.One who cannot remember what they read has no advantage over the one who has not read. Read all you want, but with a weak memory, you are just pouring water on a rock.

To be fair, while I prefer the classical languages, you could learn any mother language, and that would be just as good in developing your memory. However, the more languages you learn, the better your memory will be.

Should be required reading before homeschooling.
Excellent apologia for Classical Education.
I could not put this book down! I read it twice in a week.
The second highlighting quotes and ideas I did not want to forget. (An suggested graduation gift for any new teacher.)

I am studying Latin Grammar this summer, as to be far enough ahead to teach my own child coming this fall. This book sparked my enthusiasm about the importance of what I am hoping to accomplish.

I too have found a new appreciation for the classics. I realized if I am going to read for pleasure it should be something worth reading!

--- I never realized how relevant a work written 235 years ago, "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine, would be today.....I have "Climbing Parnassus" to thank.

A Great Argument for the Classics
This book is a tremendous resource not only for some history of education, but it intelligently explains the importance of Greek and Latin as well.Simmons could have spent a little more time, in my opinion, exploring some of the arguments against learning the classics, such as the (perhaps justifiable) fear of polluting young minds with "pagan" philosophy and racy tales.He does seem to think Greek and Latin exercises will enable children to rightly discern between the proverbial baby and the bathwater, which they undoubtedly will to a point.One cannot help but notice that Simmons has, however, given too high a place to these languages.They are important to learn, but they are not the pinnacle he makes them out to be.He over-sells in my estimation.That said, it is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone.

Climbing Parnassus, a bit too Herculean
Wonderful book. Well written. One of the best apologies for Latin and Greek (and being a Latin teacher I have read not a few).

The only reason it is only four stars is that the labor is too difficult (for mortals like myself). Simmons falls, I believe, into the Erasmian (and Kantian) error that the pains of the labor are the measure of the greatness. I have two words: Mozart and Shakespeare. The Muses give their gifts to whom they will. Erasmus' error is corrected by Josef Pieper in "Leisure. .", and although T.S.Eliot wrote the introduction to that book, he may have fallen somewhat into the same error. Nevertheless, it is an admirable error.

This brings me to the second point. No one will undertake such an enterprise. In the wide searches I've done in looking at various institutions, I have found none that come close to preparing one for climbing to Parnassus. Moreover, his model is very English in bent. There was another model on the main Continent that was far more felicitous, namely the Jesuits'. In the medieval tradition, they began teaching the young to speak Latin naturally. It is the answer that Dorothy Sayers was seeking for in her essay complaining how she studied Latin 20 years and never learned it. Moreover, the English method is the very method that likely killed Homer (though I have yet to read that book) and, I have some time maintained, killed the study of Latin (and Greek).

My suggestion is to speak Latin, starting as young as possible. The closest method is Oerberg, whom my own sixth grade students thoroughly enjoy.

That said, it is a wonderful book, a delight to read. I think students, starting in 3rd grade, should study Latin at least three hours a day (by speaking and reading, of course). When they have long mastered the idiom, then they can move on to the complexities of Cicero and the beauty of Virgil. For now, I am satisfied teaching Oerberg to sixth graders since most people think me crazy if I suggest we do away with (or lessen the part of) mind-numbing "subjects" to make way for a real training of the "animal having speech" (logos), as Aristotle defines it. To evolve from a mere chatterbox to an "animal having reason" (logos), requires difficult training. Nevertheless, even the most strenuous exercise, done the right way and to greatest effect, can be delightful.

Why the Classical Languages Matter
Simmons' book answers that nagging question, Is there really any reason to study Latin besides improving one's SAT scores? The answer is a resounding yes. This in-depth look at what traditional classical education meant and contributed for centuries is particularly useful for homeschooling families as a counterpoint to the more popular "neoclassical" approaches of Susan Wise Bauer, the Bluedorns, Doug Wilson/Logos School, Veritas Press, etc. In fact, by the end of the book, the nagging question has changed: Can any curriculum not based on the classical languages really be called classical at all? Highly recommended reading. Another top pick: Andrew Campbell's The Latin-Centered Curriculum, which is as practical (even including a scope-and-sequence component) as Climbing Parnassus is historical and theoretical. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the authoritative guide to the best climbs at the top rock climbing destinations in Western Europe. The route topos are accompanied by route descriptions, equipment recommendations, and accurate route ratings. This sturdy edition, with sewn binding, kivar covers, and trimmed corners, is intended for rough use at the crags.

Other books in the Rock Climbing series include Arizona, Boulder Canyon, Colorado, Colorado's San Luis Valley, Connecticut, Desert Rock, Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon, Joshua Tree, Lake Tahoe, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Montana, New England, New Jersey, New Mexico and Texas, Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park, San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara & Ventura, Shelf Road, Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, Wasatch Range, Washington, and Yosemite's Select.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Overview and more...
Provides a detail overview of all the best climbing spots that Europe has to offer. Usefull for the 1st time climbing visitor, with good crag maps and topos thrown in on the best areas and routes in each spot.

you might want something more detailed at the crag, but provides a great overview with lots of handy detail. ... Read more