Mr. Edwin Muller, Jr., in the preface to his book,
They Climbed the Alps (Cape, 10s. 6d.), writes : " Apparently one can have an ardent liking for golf, gin and bitters, the music of Stravinsky, the works of Mencken or the ways of the devil, without feeling apologetic. But mountaineering is one of those avocations that require an explanation." The author's explanation is given in eleven chapters on adventures in high places. Each one of these is packed full of the thrills and sensations of those who lifted more than their eyes unto the hills; who have stood on tiptoe with a mile drop beneath them and sheer rock above, who have felt as though their fingers were being " slit by a blunt knife, from the tips upwards," who have fallen two hundred feet in seven or eight bounds and have enjoyed all their adventures. The exploits of many famous climbers are recorded with the most admirable economy, and there is not the slightest touch of patronage in Mr. Muller's account of the smaller essays of adventuring amateurs : in his eyes all who woo the moun- tains have equal rights. " Men happen upon their true loves in unexpected ways," he writes : " Professor John Tyndall was drawn to the Alps by way of a slate quarry in Wales." It will not be surprising if the white Alpine sisters gain many other lovers by way of this fascinating book, for few who read it will be able to remain proof against the infectious ecstasy of the author or to wish their feet anywhere but in the prints of Jacques Balmat, Edwin Whymper, de Saussure, Dr. Hamel and many others.
Previous page
