- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Flamingo; Revised edition edition (9 Feb 1989)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0586088741
- ISBN-13: 978-0586088746
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.4 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 183,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The White Spider
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Product Description
Review
‘An outstanding book in the mountaineering library.’ Guardian
‘Even to look at the photographs of the terrible slopes of the Eiger chills the blood. Heinrich Harrer enables the reader to vicariously experience the cold and the terror of the climb.’ Irish Press
‘”The White Spider” provides almost the classic statement of the weird and frequently misunderstood psychology of the modern rock-climber. Despite the grimness of much of what he is doing, Harrer communicates the irresistible joy of climbing as an antidote to the idea that climbers are masochistically trying to prove something to themselves.’ Sunday Times
‘A true classic from the early days of mountaineering…The terror and respect that the Eiger inspires is evoked superbly in Harrer’s narrative.’ Maxim
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.Product Description
This is an account of the attempts to climb the notorious North Wall of the Eiger, in 1938. The author was a member of the first party to climb the face, and although the book describes the grimness of the terrain, he attempts to communicate the joy of climbing as well as the hazards.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Heinrick Harrer, along with his companions Fritz Kasparek, Andreas Heckmair and Ludwig Vorg, made the first successful ascent of the North face of the Eiger, arriving on the summit at around 3:00pm on 24th July 1938. The book describes the endless battles faught on the face, sometimes to save others, sometimes to save themselves and sometimes in vain. It also tries to resolve some of the mysteries which shroud the face (It even has a route guide for anyone considering the climb). Despite the fact that the book was first published 40years ago and that the translation slips up from time to time does not alter the fact that this is a brilliant read. Unfortunately it didn't inspire to climb big faces as much as Joe Simpson's books did but alas it did inspire Joe Simpson and undoubtably many others to go out to the far flung reaches of the globe and climb.
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
No mountaineering bookshelf is complete without a copy of this compelling volume. It details every significant attempt on the North face of the Eiger from the first disastrous climb in 1932 to the many successes and failures of the 1960s. By the time you reach the end you'll feel as if you've climbed every agonising or inspiring step with the men and women that Harrer portrays.
The horror of the failed climbs and the ecstasy of the successes are vividly painted by Harrer's straightforward, unadorned style, which makes this such a gripping read. The only part of the book that jars is his rather old-fashioned and patronising description of the first attempts on the face by women. But this is a minor flaw in an otherwise influential and well-written book.
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An absolute must for the true mountaineer or aspiring hopeful. Not to be read however immediatly before a bid to climb the face, but required reading whilst contemplating At times Harrer confronts you with the terrible bleakness of the stricken parties on the face, whilst remaining factual in a Tutonic way. Excellent. PS Another good account of the Eigerwand can be found in The Boardman Tasker Omnibus. The first book gives an account of the first succesful British Winter Ascent by Joe Tasker.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
climbing the eigar(the White Spider)
Excellent product well worth the read.Gives a graphic insight into the dangers faced when tackling the worlds most difficult mountains.
Published 1 month ago by barry
A timeless handbook for mountaineers
It surprised me after reading this book that it took me so long to get around to reading it, let alone even hear of what is generally held to be one of THE classics of... Read more
Published 9 months ago by PJordan
Made me afraid of spiders
Harrer is an amazing guy and this is an amazing climb. I've seen the north face and it's unbelievable to me that anyone could climb it. Read more
Published 9 months ago by eric.rayner@btinternet.com
Review of The White Spider...
I bought this book for my dad after he had mentioned it was one of his favourite books when trying to find it in a bookshop recently. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Millyyy
Stunning
Such a moving book - I could feel the tension building up inside me as I turned the pages. Harrowing too but it left me with an overwhelming desire to pay a personal visit.
Published 11 months ago by Nadger
More scary than other spiders....
As a keen hill walker, (but no mountaineer), this was a very compelling and eye-opening read. Okay, I would agree with some reviewers that the book is a little dry and bit of a... Read more
Published 15 months ago by M. Breeze
A good read
Despite the age of this book, and the events it chronicles, it remains an interesting and well researched text.
Published 19 months ago by Dr. K. G. Lowry
Mountaineering Extreme
This account of the first ascent of the Eiger and subsequent attempts is absolutely gripping from start to finish. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Leslie
Stunning
I found the book absolutely engrossing.Harrers writing paints an indelible picture of the North Face in your mind!. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Chrisso
What a great read!
I cant rave enough about this book, it is just written so well. I struggle to find a book that keeps me engaged......but this one was amazing! Read more
Published 23 months ago by Amy Forse
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