The ascent of Mont Pelvoux (including the disagreeables) was a very delightful scramble. The mountain air did not act as an emetic; the sky did not look black, instead of blue; nor did I feel tempted to throw myself over precipices. I hastened to enlarge my experience, and went to the Matterhorn. I was urged towards Mont Pelvoux by those mysterious impulses which cause men to peer into the unknown. Not only was this mountain reputed to be the highest in France, and on that account was wort...

In the year 1860, shortly before leavinEngland for a loncontinental tour, the late Mr. William Longman requested me to make for him some sketches of the great Alpine peaks. At this time I had only a literary acquaintance with mountaineering, and had even not seen--much less set foot upon--a mountain. Amongst the peaks which were upon my list was Mont Pelvoux, in Dauphine. The sketches that were required of it were to celebrate the triumph of some Englishmen who intended to make its ascent....

"Above the Snow Line" is a captivating collection of mountaineering sketches that vividly captures the spirit of adventure and exploration in the late 19th century. The book features the artistic talents of engraver C. T. Dent and illustrator Percy Macquoid, who together bring to life the breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains encountered by climbers. Through a series of detailed illustrations and engaging narratives, readers are transported to the majestic heights of the mountai...

"The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism, Volume 4" by Frederick Whymper is a captivating exploration of maritime adventures that showcases the indomitable spirit of sailors and explorers. Whymper, known for his vivid storytelling, delves into the treacherous waters and the challenges faced by those who dared to navigate them. The book is filled with tales of heroism, survival, and the relentless pursuit of discovery, making it a thrilling read for anyone fascinated by t...

"The Ascent of the Matterhorn" by Edward Whymper is a captivating account of the first successful ascent of the iconic mountain. Whymper, an accomplished mountaineer and artist, chronicles the challenges faced by his team as they navigated treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of the breathtaking landscapes and the physical and mental trials endured during the climb. Whymper's passion for mountaineering shines through, making the reade...

"The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism, Volume 2" by Frederick Whymper delves into the captivating tales of maritime exploration and the indomitable spirit of those who ventured into the unknown. Whymper, known for his adventurous exploits, captures the essence of the sea's allure and danger, recounting stories of shipwrecks, daring rescues, and the relentless pursuit of discovery. His vivid storytelling immerses readers in the tumultuous world of sailors and explorers...

"The Sea: Its Stirring Story of Adventure, Peril, & Heroism, Volume 3" by Frederick Whymper is a captivating exploration of maritime adventures that showcases the indomitable spirit of sailors and explorers. Whymper, known for his vivid storytelling, delves into the treacherous waters and the challenges faced by those who dared to venture into the unknown. This volume highlights remarkable tales of heroism, survival, and the relentless pursuit of discovery, painting a vivid picture of life...

"Egyptian Birds" by Charles Whymper is a captivating exploration of the avian life found in Egypt. Whymper, an accomplished naturalist and illustrator, meticulously documents various bird species, showcasing their unique characteristics and habitats. The book is richly illustrated, providing readers with a visual feast that complements the detailed descriptions. Whymper's passion for ornithology shines through as he shares his observations and insights, making it an essential read for bird...

"Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860-69" by Edward Whymper is a captivating account of the author's mountaineering adventures in the Alps during the 1860s. Whymper, a pioneering climber and artist, vividly describes his experiences scaling some of the most challenging peaks of the region. His narrative is not only a thrilling adventure story but also a detailed observation of the landscapes, weather conditions, and the camaraderie among climbers. The book serves as both a travelog...

If the reader should at any time find himself a visitor to the first naval port of Great Britain—which he need not be told is Portsmouth—he will find, lying placidly in the noble harbour, which is large enough to accommodate a whole fleet, a vessel of modern-antique appearance, and evidently very carefully preserved. Should he happen to be there on October 21st, he would find the ship gaily decorated with wreaths of evergreen and flags, her appearance attracting to her side an unusual numb...

PLINY declares that it was by watching the flight of birds in general, and of the Kite in particular, that men first conceived the idea of steering their boats and ships with a tail or rudder, for, says he, “these birds by the turning and steering by their tails showed in the air what was needful to be done in the deep.” Nowhere can the aerial movements of birds be better studied than on the Nile, and as one’s eye becomes trained it is just by the varying individual methods of flight that ...

Off to Klondyke is exactly the kind of adventures young adults like best and that give them benefit, not harm. This tale relates the experiences of some English men, women, girls and boys, who have a hard time in getting to the Klondyke gold rush. They have adventures with grizzlies and wolves and Indians; they endure great sufferings and hardships, but their sturdy English constitutions and training bring them through (The Bookseller, Newsdealer and Stationer, Vo...