Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860-69
The work chronicles a series of alpine expeditions undertaken between 1860 and 1869, detailing the author's experiences, challenges, and observations while exploring the Alps. The narrative begins with the author's initial foray into the mountains, reflecting on the juxtaposition of toil and pleasure inherent in mountaineering. The author recounts various ascents, including notable locations such as the Jungfrau, the Gemmi Pass, and the Valais region, where he encounters the beauty and dangers of the alpine environment. He describes the physical challenges of climbing, the unpredictable weather, and the unique characteristics of the Swiss mules that assist in transportation. Throughout the narrative, the author emphasizes the importance of preparation, the necessity of skilled guides, and the camaraderie among climbers. He shares vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the flora and fauna, and the geological features encountered during his journeys. The author also reflects on the historical and cultural significance of the regions visited, including the impact of past events on the local communities. The work culminates in the author's attempts to ascend the Matterhorn, a peak that had long eluded climbers. He details the various strategies employed, the setbacks faced, and the ultimate triumphs and failures experienced during these attempts. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical musings on the nature of ambition, the allure of the mountains, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. Overall, the work serves as both a personal memoir and a broader commentary on the spirit of exploration and the challenges of alpine climbing during the 19th century. It captures the essence of adventure, the beauty of the natural world, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Edward Whymper · First published 1861 · Genre: Travel Literature, Mountaineering, Adventure · 22 chapters · 134,038 words
First lines
Toil and pleasure, in their natures opposite, are yet linked together in a kind of necessary connection. - Livy
Beachy Head.
What this Textopian page supports
Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860-69 is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Edward Whymper, dated 1861 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Edward Whymper
- Date: 1861 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Travel Literature, Mountaineering, Adventure, Memoir, History
- Length: 134,038 words
- Structure: 22 chapters, 1,083 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Travel Literature — The book details the author's experiences and explorations in the Alps, providing insights into the landscapes and cultures encountered.
- Mountaineering — It focuses on the challenges and adventures of climbing in the Alps, making it a key text in the mountaineering genre.
- Adventure — The narrative includes thrilling escapades and the spirit of exploration, characteristic of adventure literature.
- Memoir — The work reflects Whymper's personal experiences and reflections during his climbs, fitting the memoir genre.
Tags
Alpine Climbing · Travelogue · Mountaineering · Adventure · Exploration · Geography · History · Memoir · Non-Fiction · Outdoor Activities · Personal Narrative · Photography
Contents
- Introductory
- The Ascent of Mont Pelvoux
- The Mont Cenis-The Fell Railway-The Great Tunnel through the Alps
- My First Scramble on the Matterhorn
- Renewed Attempts to Ascend the Matterhorn
- The Val Tournanche-Direct Pass from Breuil to Zermatt (Breuiljoch)-Zermatt-Ascent of the Grand Tournalin
- Our Sixth Attempt to Ascend the Matterhorn
- From St. Michel on the Mont Cenis Road, by the Col Des Aiguilles D'Arve, Col De Martignare, and the Brêche De La Meije, to La Bérarde
- The Ascent of the Pointe Des Écrins
- On the First Passage of the Col De Pilatte
- Passage of the Col De Triolet, and First Ascents of Mont Dolent, Aiguille De Trélatête, and Aiguille D'Argentière
- The Moming Pass-Zermatt
- The First Ascent of the Grand Cornier
- The Ascent of the Dent Blanche
- Lost on the Col D'Hérens-My Seventh Attempt to Ascend the Matterhorn
- The Valley of Aosta, and Ascent of the Grandes Jorasses
- The First Passage of the Col Dolent
- Ascent of the Aiguille Verte
- The First Passage of the Col De Talèfre
- The First Ascent of the Ruinette-The Matterhorn
- The First Ascent of the Matterhorn
- Descent of the Matterhorn