On The Heights

Description

Published by Rupert Hart-Davis, London, 1964, 1st Edition, D/w (some wear edges, in protective sleeve), ex-library copy (City of Leeds Bookplate), V.G.   The first volume of autobiography of the legendary Italian climber Walter Bonatti (1930-2011), mountaineer, alpinist, explorer, author and journalist.  His notable achievements include his solo ascent of the S.W. Pillar of the Dru in 1955, the first ascent of Gasherbrum IV in 1958, and the first solo ascent in winter of the North Face of the Matterhorn in 1965, the centenary year of the first ascent.  Immediately after this latter climb, Bonatti retired from professional climbing at the age of 35.  He spent the rest of his career travelling and exploring as a reporter for the Italian magazine Epoca.  He also wrote a number of books.  Famed for his climbing panache, Bonatti attempted and succeeded in barely-known and technically difficult climbs in the Alps, Himalayas and Patagonia.  In 2009, Bonatti was awarded the first-ever Piolet D’Or Lifetime Achievement Award, and is widely considered as being one of the greatest climbers in history.