Dougal Haston: The Philosophy of Risk

Dougal Haston: The Philosophy of Risk by Connor, Jeff. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781841952154.

The untimely death of Dougal Haston (1940-1977) in a freak avalanche robbed climbing of one of its most charismatic, controversial, and enigmatic figures. A man of extremes who managed to combine a hedonistic lifestyle with a career at the cutting edge of world mountaineering, Haston remains a figure whose deeds have inspired climbers worldwide. He also captured the imagination of the world far beyond that of the climbing fraternity -- he had the looks of a young god and was exceptionally talented, egocentric, and obsessed with his chosen sport. Connor explores Hastons agonizing development: from his working-class background in the small Scottish village of Currie to his antiestablishment years at college and in Scottish climbing circles, to the nearly fatal accident that drove him abroad, his fearsome drinking and womanizing, and, eventually, fulfillment and peace. For all those who wonder what motivates men and women to risk their lives in the mountains, this intimate portrait of a driven, tortured personality provides many of the answers. 24 pages of color and black-and-white photographs are included in this definitive biography from Jeff Connor, which was shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Prize for mountain literature. "With Dougal Hastons death, Britain lost one of the finest mountaineers to have come from these Isles." -- Doug Scott "Haston was one of the worlds greatest mountaineers and possibly the finest alpinist Scotland has ever produced." -- The Scotsman