Just heard from Alan at Rockfax that North Wales Climbs (If you buy it from this link more money goes to the NWBF) has made it to Cordee the national distributor for these type of things. He should get some in Sheffield by Monday, meaning later next week I should hopefully have a copy. I have mentioned it before but it is always anticlimactic when you finally get a book to print. The journey has long been over and to be honest I am usually well and truly on my way on a new project (Surfing and coding a new coaching website).
It seems with all rockfax guides that there is some flack, yet I find it hard to get involved to defend something which I think will defend itself when people see it in shops. I am also sure that the sales of this book will be something that whilst it might not silent the harsh critics, it will make it easier to see it as some tribal angst. You would never expect a Man City fan to cheer on the United after all.
Behind all the banter I hope people see the craft that went into getting some of the topos shots, a few of which are more than a crag shot and instead stand up as landscape images in themselves. Often sitting for an hour just to get one shot of one crag. The double page actions shots that capture the sense of place and adventure in the routes I have come to know and love in north wales.
Above all though I will remember the process of this book. The hard work and fun I have had with my good friends all across North Wales. The good times and the bad, fair weather or foul. The book essentially takes nearly 20 years of climbing experience in Snowdonia and puts it into one amazing book.
It seems like the week for books, as my own self published book, Hanging By A Thread: The Science, History, Technology and Culture of Rock Climbing and Mountaineering has also made it to printed form as well as kindle and iPad versions. I thoroughly recommend this books as a reasonably cheap christmas present for climbers and mountaineers. As it takes a sideways look at our sports history through the eyes of how science and technology have effect the very culture of climbing.
Two of the stand out chapters for me as the author are the Space Race and Rick chapters. In particular the risk chapter explores why we as climbs indulge in life and death pastimes. Rather than ‘Because its There…’ the book turns to scientific research into risk-taking behaviours and might leave you wondering what of the motives best fit your reasons for rolling the dice of life.
If you get either book from amazon or iTunes then please review it, as it does really help sell these books. Which allows me to do more of what I love, which is writing and playing about life in Snowdonia.