A book detailing the first ascent of the Matterhorn on 14 July 1865 has been re-published in its first expanded edition since 1940.
The book details the young Edward Whymper’s attempts to find a route to the top of the awe inspiring peak that continues to amaze visitors to Zermatt. Eventually succeeding, and in so doing launching a golden age of Alpinism, a decades before the first winter tourists arrived in St Moritz, Whymper’s achievement was then overshadowed by the deaths of four of his climbing partners on the descent.
144 years after its original publication, The Ascent of the Matterhorn remains a fresh and inspirational read. It’s hard to imagine climbers of the Victorian era making their ascents in tweeds and hobnailed boots without the lightweight, purpose-designed clothing and equipment of today, not knowing whether their route will be the correct one or not.
Along with the original etchings, the new edition features photographs Whymper took on a return visit a decade later as photography was starting to become possible. Many of these appear in print for the first time.
‘The Ascent of The Matterhorn’ also gives climbing advice, details Whymper’s multiple attempts to climb the famous peak before finally succeeding, and includes reports on other climbs, including around Chamonix in an era when it was not known that Mont Blanc was Western Europe’s highest peak.
His book and lecture tours Whymper delivered back in Britain inspired many adventurers, including a young Winston Churchill who attended one of Whymper’s events. A more recent British prime minister, Theresa May, a regular visitor to Zermatt, has written a foreword.
The Ascent of the Matterhorn & The Forgotten Photographs by Edward Whymper is published by Gibson Square £20.00
