Eiger Direct Signed by Doug Haston

Published by Collins, London, UK, 1966. 1st edition. Original blue cloth gilt. Dustwrapper. Pp. 183. Illustrated throughout with photographs. The account of the first climbing of the Direct Route of the notoriously treacherous north face of the Eiger. Meticulously planned and led by John Harlin, the ascent encountered tragedy when Harlin himself fell 4000 feet to his death. The team then joined with a German team and the ascent was completed by the route that henceforth would be known as the John Harlin Route in his memory. Flat signed by Dougal Haston to the front free endpaper. Books signed by him are very scarce as he lived abroad in his role as Director of the International School of Mountaineering in Leysin, Switzerland. Considered one of the most talented climbers of his generation, Haston too would tragically lose his life in an avalanche whilst skiing a steep couloir near his home in January 1977. Paper a little toned due to the paper stock. Boards slightly bumped to the corners. A very good, tight, clean copy in very good, nicked, chipped and rubbed dustwrapper.