Mount McKinley: Icy Crown of North America

Mount McKinley: Icy Crown of North America by Beckey, Fred. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780898866469.

* A classic of mountaineering literature * Beckeys name is synonymous with mountaineering in Alaska, Canada and the western US * Peppered with personal anecdotes and unique photographs This biography of Alaskas Mount McKinley presents a complete history of one of the worlds great mountains. Author and famed mountaineer Fred Beckey starts with McKinleys geology and covers early human history, from native associations with Denali to the influx of Russian fur traders and American prospectors. The mountaineering history of McKinley follows, with a look at the gold seekers and surveyors who were among the first to map the region. Beckey examines the efforts of those who raced to be first on McKinleys summit and details the first complete ascent by Hudson Stuck in 1913. The chronology continues with profiles of notable summit attempts, including those of the author himself. Also included is information about the challenges and logistics of climbing Mount McKinley, with information on planning, permits, suggested routes, and what to expect. Personal anecdotes and previously unpublished photographs make this volume a must-have for historians and climbers everywhere.