Region, Rock, and Culture in American Climbing

Now in paperback, the book Lynn Hill called "the first and only book to look at American climbing as a whole." American Rock is a celebration of the diversity of American rock climbing, and an authoritative history of how the sport evolved at dozens of climbing hotspots around the country.

The United States offers rock climbers a greater variety of geologic environments than any other country in the world. In recent years the sport has exploded and American climbers, once isolated from each other, now cross the country in search of new rock, sharing techniques, equipment, and information.

Veteran climber Don Mellor suggests that this newfound popularity may soon cause the formerly obscure sport to become bland and homogenized. In this thoughtful history and overview, he celebrates a dazzling mosaic of American geologic regions and the distinct climbing styles they have engendered:

Mellor also chronicles the rich history and vibrant personalities of the climbing scene, and explores the meaning behind ongoing debates over access, techniques, and equipment. And throughout, he pleads for conservation and respect, to protect these fragile resources for generations of climbers to come.

“Part sociological treatise, part historical narrative, and part campfire tale, American Rock explores the rise of local ethics and legends at various climbing venues around the country . . . an enjoyable read for any climber interested in the culture and lore of this country's crags.”
—Ted Callahan, Climbing magazine

“This is the first and only book to look at American climbing as a whole . . . Every climber . . . will appreciate learning about the history, the culture, and the great places in American climbing.”
—Lynn Hill

“In his crusade against what he calls 'the insidious homogenization' that threatens American climbing, Don Mellor has laid open the sport for review, defining our climbing regions and tracing the sport's evolution into its many offshoots.”
—David Breashears

“The first survey of its type, American Rock uniquely captures the rock, the rockers, and the ethos of the many regional hot spots of American rock climbing. A remarkable book.”
—Royal Robbins

$17.95 (Can. $27.00)
0-88150-547-1
May 2003
6 x 9, 304 pages, paperback, black & white photographs, index