* Captures the raucous, outrageous, innovative spirit of climbing in Yosemite during this period
* Portrays the advances in equipment and style that revolutionized big-wall climbing
In the 1960's, California's Yosemite Valley was the center of the rock-climbing universe. Young nonconformists - many of them the finest rock climbers in the world - channeled their energy toward the largely untouched walls and cracks. Soon climbers from around the globe were coming to Camp 4 - gathering spot for the creators of the Golden Age of Yosemite climbing - to see what all the fuss was about.
Climber and author Steve Roper spent most of 10 years living in the Yosemite Valley with its intriguing inhabitants. Camp 4 is his take on the era's top climbers and the influences behind their achievements. The text is full of stories both hilarious and revealing about the likes of bolt-disdaining Royal Robbins; fun-loving, big-wall expert Warren Harding; free-climber Frank Sacherer; multi-talented Chuck Pratt; master craftsman Yvon Chouinard; and ill-fated Mark Powell. Roper also tips his hat to the elder statesmen of the 1930s and 1940s who pioneered early, important climbs in the valley.
Camp 4 looks at the most significant climbs, and the most riveting controversies of a legendary era. With more than 50 fascinating historical photographs, most never before published, Camp 4 is the definitive history of Yosemite climbing during this period.