{"product_id":"the-zermatt-pocket-book-first-edition","title":"The Zermatt Pocket Book (First Edition, Association Copy)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003eThere are books that document history, and there are books that make it. Conway’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003eZermatt Pocket Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003e is one such book. Published in 1881 as the twenty-five-year-old Conway's very first book, it became the foundational text of the celebrated Conway and Coolidge Climbers' Guide series — the template against which all subsequent Alpine guidebook writing would measure itself. 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003eWhat transforms this into a truly remarkable copy is the signature to the front: 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 astonishing 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 - a year before this publication appeared - and was actively climbing the terrain Conway describes within this work.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003eThe physical form of the book adds to the story. Bound in the practical wallet style, with flexible covers extending to enclose and protect the contents of the volume, this is more an entirely practical book, designed to be taken out onto the ranges. That the contents survive in such fine condition is testament both to the quality of the binding’s protection and to the care of its owners across more than a century. The cracking to the fold crease is likely a part of this story: the book has been used as intended, and, perhaps, by Slingsby himself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst edition. \u003cem\u003eLondon:\u003c\/em\u003e Edward Stanford, 1881. Small, slim 8vo. Original dark blue leather wallet binding. Gilt titling to cover. Signature to endpaper verso. Near fine.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"a_GcMg font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"\u003eCover 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eFrom the library of Warwick H. Williams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note: This item is large and\/or heavy. It may require additional postage costs to be paid. If so, we will contact you after purchase.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\"\u003eThis book is currently not on display in store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\"\u003eIf you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Martin Conway","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48573309550835,"sku":"1110002937132","price":4500.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0634\/4284\/5939\/files\/Untitleddesign_14_add23507-fac6-476e-9b51-c5638304a2ab.png?v=1771973908","url":"https:\/\/www.harryhartog.com.au\/products\/the-zermatt-pocket-book-first-edition","provider":"Harry Hartog Bookseller","version":"1.0","type":"link"}