The Handbook of Climbing

This practical guide to climbing and mountaineering skills has been designed for anyone who wishes to learn to climb or further their participation in the sport. All the techniques required for modern climbing are covered, extending from roadside crags to ascents of major mountains and faces.
The authors describe not only the principles and methods of movement on rock, snow and ice, but also the correct use of equipment and ways of protecting climbs. Wherever possible they provide a choice of relevant techniques, so that the reader may select the method and system appropriate to his or her needs. Anticipation of mountaineering problems and methods of dealing with these are also covered. The book explores specialist climbing issues, including avalanches, self-rescue and navigation, and there are also chapters on training, psychological skills and first aid. At very stage the text is illustrated with explanatory colour and black and white photographs as well as drawings and diagrams.