The Zermatt Pocket Book (First Edition, Association Copy)

Published in 1881 as the twenty-five-year-old Conway's very first book, this pocket guide became the foundational text of the celebrated Conway and Coolidge Climbers' Guide series. Issued by Edward Stanford of Regent Street, the great geographical publisher of the age, it covers the Pennine Alps from the Simplon to Arolla: the high country that defined the silver age of British alpinism.

This volume bears the neat ink signature of W. Cecil Slingsby, inscribed at his Yorkshire home, Skipton. Slingsby stands among the most significant figures in the history of British mountaineering. Often referred to as the “Father of Norwegian Mountaineering”, he was a man of great energy and talent: the first to climb Skagastølstind, Norway’s most formidable peak, in 1876; a pioneer of ski-mountaineering; and a close companion of Mummery, Collie, and Hastings on some of the most audacious ascents of the time. Slingsby was elected to the Alpine Club in 1880 and was actively climbing the terrain Conway describes within this work.

Neate C109; Perret 1086.

First edition. London: Edward Stanford, 1881. Small, slim 8vo. Original dark blue leather wallet binding. Gilt titling to cover. Signature to endpaper verso. Near fine. Cover edges worn with a crack along the crease of enclosing fold, binding otherwise sound. Contents fine throughout, excellently preserved. Clean and bright. A fine association copy.

Provenance: From the library of Warwick H. Williams.

This book is currently on display in our Paddington store.

If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au