The Impossible Climb
Alex Honnold, El Capitan and the Climbing Life
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Allen & Unwin
Published:5th Mar '20
Should be back in stock very soon
This book provides a personal account of Alex Honnold's daring free solo ascent of El Capitan, detailing the risks involved and the climber's journey, alongside insights from his friend Mark Synnott.
The Impossible Climb offers a gripping narrative of Alex Honnold's extraordinary achievement: a 3,000-foot vertical ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite, accomplished without the use of ropes or safety equipment. This intimate account captures the tension and thrill of Honnold's free solo climb, which took place on June 3, 2017. Only a few were privy to the gravity of the moment, including professional climber Mark Synnott, who was there to witness this historic endeavor.
The book delves into the meticulous preparation and mental fortitude required for such a dangerous feat. Honnold's ascent of the Freerider route on El Capitan is not just a test of physical strength but a profound exploration of fear, risk, and the pursuit of one's passions. The narrative draws parallels between Honnold's climb and monumental achievements in human history, likening it to Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. The stakes are high, as a single misstep could lead to fatal consequences, making the climb a true testament to human courage and determination.
Alongside Honnold's journey, Synnott shares his own experiences in the climbing world, reflecting on the triumphs and challenges he has faced. This blend of personal history and high-stakes adventure creates a compelling call to embrace life fully, showcasing the beauty and danger that come with pushing boundaries. The Impossible Climb is not only a thrilling account of an unprecedented ascent but also an inspiring reminder of the heights we can reach when we dare to confront our fears.
An enthralling new book. Few sports have as rich and varied a literature as climbing...and this gripping work from the vastly experienced mountaineer and adventurer Mark Synnott is a magnificent addition to the canon...This compelling book reads like a thriller as it ranges over the rarefied world of extreme climbing. * Daily Mail *
With the possible exception of the lunar landings, free-soloing El Capitan may rank as one of the most audacious--and terrifying--things a human being has ever done. Synnott's narrative plasters you to a 3,000-foot granite cliff and doesn't let you go until the climb is done. It is one of the most compelling accounts of a climb and the climbing ethos that I've ever read. -- Sebastian Junger, author of THE PERFECT STORM
Immensely enjoyable. Tapping his own impressive mountaineering resume, Mark Synnott dives deep into the rebellious counterculture of extreme climbing to get inside the head of Alex Honnold, the planet's foremost rock climber. What motivated Honnold to free climb El Capitan without a rope? "Because it's there" doesn't come close to explaining it. Synnott's The Impossible Climb does. -- Andy Hall, author of DENALI'S HOWL
Mark Synnott's The Impossible Climb is to climbing what William Finnegan's Barbarian Days is to surfing. -- John Long, writer, producer, and pioneer of 'free solo' rock climbing
Yes, The Impossible Climb is the gripping story of the most perilous rock ascent of all time - but it's much more than that. In seamlessly fusing memoir, reporting, social history, climbing lore, technical expertise and intimate glimpses of his tribe, Mark Synnott has given us a kind of epic of life on the edge. Even readers who have never set toe to rock are going to find themselves glued to this insanely brilliant account of extreme athletic ambition and endurance. -- David Laskin, author of THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD
An accomplished portrait of two remarkable lives * New York Times Book Review *
Fast paced and enjoyable. * Wall Street Journal *
Synnott, with the skill of a master craftsman, weaves into this text stories about Alex's climbing. . . . fascinating reading. . . . Synnott uses his experience both as a climber and as a writer to paint an incredible canvas. The Impossible Climb is not to be missed. -- Keith Sharples * Climber *
ISBN: 9781760632731
Dimensions: 200mm x 130mm x 30mm
Weight: 385g
416 pages
Main