The Night Climbers of Cambridge Limited edition by Whipplesnaith (2007) Hardcover

About this book

The Night Climbers of Cambridge was first published in October 1937 with a second edition rapidly following in November of the same year. Reprinted in 1952 the book has since been unavailable and has built up a cult following with copies of either edition becoming increasingly rare. Authored under the pseudonym Whipplesnaith it recounts the courageous or foolhardy nocturnal exploits of a group of students climbing the ancient university and town buildings of Cambridge; creating in effect a literary blueprint to the citys skyline. These daring stegophilic feats including such heights as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the venerable Kings College Chapel were recorded with prehistoric photographic paraphernalia carried aloft over battlements up chimneys and down drain-pipes. The climbers all this while trying with mixed results to avoid detection by the minions of authority: university proctors Bulldogs and of course the local Roberts... The result is a fascinating humorous and at times adrenalin-inducing adventure providing a rare glimpse into a side of Cambridge that has always been enshrouded by darkness. The tradition known now as urban climbing buildering structuring or stegophily and followed all over the world started long before publication of the first edition and is sure to continue for generations after the arrival of this one. This edition celebrates the 70th anniversary of the original and features the complete text and over seventy digitally re-mastered images half of which have been reproduced from the original negatives.