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This is the engrossing story of the seasons the author spent climbing 4000m mountains in the different regions of the Alps. It is also about the people with whom he climbed who found time out of their day-to-day routine for this extraordinary activity. He explains the reason for this fascination which resulted in their spending decades pursuing their climbing objectives.
The words and photos both encapsulate the alpine experience in all its beauty and suffering, pain and exhilaration, danger and humour which is shared with each climbing partner and open to anyone with the same commitment. The author believes that climbing all the 4000m mountains is a realistic and achievable objective that will take mountaineers into much wild and beautiful terrain. These are not just snow plods: every mountain has a worthwhile route on it and even those with long glacier approaches can become superb ascents and descents on ski in an alpine spring.
The many photos taken over the years were a reminder of details that had escaped notice in the journals kept at the time. These numerous stunning and inspiring photographs tell their own story and enrich the author's account. The book is dedicated to all his climbing partners who made the completion of the quest possible.
Dave Wynne-Jones has had numerous articles, stories and photographs published with a large number of his photos featured in The High Mountains of the Alps, Volume 1. He has taken part in 27 expeditions, 20 of which he has led, and 30 first ascents of unclimbed summits or new routes on peaks. He has an enduring love of mountains and a lifelong dedication to climbing.
"[...] his absorbing account [...] [...] as the years and the adventures accrete the book achieves a quiet authority. It is richly illustrated, and his able eye records the changing fashions [...] this book offers a persuasive case to return."
– The Alpine Journal 2017
"[...] a detailed and compelling account [...] a very good impression of what Alpine climbing is all about [...] the excellent description of a moonlight traverse of Mont Blanc, which was clearly a very special experience. [...] is an excellent read, even for non-climbers like me, and I am sure it will inspire others."
– Scottish Mountaineer
"[...] includes stunning photography [...]"
– Fiona Russell, Sunday Mail, Seven Days
"[...] many good photos and informative interludes on tactics, techniques and practical advice [...] Wynne-Jones is clearly an able and determined alpinist [...] He can also write with passion and lyricism."
– Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal
"[...] lavishly illustrated book [...] with entertaining anecdotes [...] interspersed with helpful chapters on weather, huts, training, guides, navigation, acclimatisation, food and diet, dehydration and effects of sun, heat and cold."
– The Rucksack Club Journal
