The pioneers of the Alps
London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1887. First edition, 4to, x, [2], 287, [1]; heliogravure frontispiece, vignette title-p., gravure portrait on dedication-p., 23 gravure portraits of the pioneers, plus a number of illustrations in the text (several full-p.); original red cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine, t.e.g.; hinges cracked, cloth a little bubbled, spine extremities cracked and worn, all else very good. Biographical sketches of the great early Alpine guides, illustrated with Abney's superb photographic portraits. The text contains contributions by 18 noted Alpinists, including Douglas Freshfield and William Conway, and subjects covered, in addition to the biographical sketches, include a history of mountaineering from 1387 to 1885, Alpine accidents, mountaineering without guides, mountaineering in winter, ice-axes and rope, and "guidecraft." Abney (1843-1920), was a famous photographer, and an early pioneer in color photography. He was a experienced traveller and often visited Switzerland and Italy to climb. Cunningham was a Scottish climber and an advocate of winter climbing in Scotland. Neate 197. Item #29178
Price: $1,750.00
