What a fascinating book, especially for those of us who live near and hike in the White Mountains. I just started this year my 48 4,000 footers of New Hampshire, but have climbed Mt. Washington six times in the summer, in the past. It is an often underestimated mountain, due to its diminutive 6,288 feet, but as “Not Without Peril: 150 Years of Misadventure on the Presidential Range of New Hampshire” by Nicholas S. Howe will show you, it is never to be underestimated. To do a day-hike of Mt. Washington, you must actually be prepared for a subzero winter overnight, even when the temperatures and weather at the trailhead are summer. This book is a must-read and a warning.
Howe’s goal is not to bash those who died on Washington, but to share the history of this fascinating mountain and also that of the Presidential Range; to weave in side stories related to the mountain; and finally, to warn anyone who wants to summit Mt. Washington or attempt the traverse of the Range what to expect.
Some of the hikers died by pure bad luck; others by arrogance; but most by underestimating the power of weather on this unique rock. So many were sadly so young. I recall a more recent death, that of Kate Matrosova, a beautiful young woman, and accomplished mountaineer who had done several of the Seven Summits, and had done the winter traverse just the month before. But, solo, with no sleeping bag or snowshoes (deadly mistake) she attempted a one day traverse, but winds were 141 mph and the temperatures sank to -85°. She knowingly tempted fate, as did so many have on Washington and the Presidential Range.
You will learn the history of creating the trails, the origins of the AMC, and progress on Washington, including its famous cog railway and the observatory. The highest recorded winds on earth took place here. You’ll learn even that Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, kept a picture of Mt. Washington in his study. For me the surprising part of the book was all the historical side stories, especially regarding the role of the wireless!
The book moves along quickly, and I could not put it down. However, know that the reading style is a bit dry, and the language is surprisingly stilted at times: “Now the three men returned to thought.” “...coroner’s jury might rule that he died of complications attending sudden onset of dread.” “...he took part of a cup of gruel with warm milk.” When people died, they died; there is no sorrow, no pity, no wondering by the author. On to the next vignette of death. The stories tend to get bogged down with an overly-detailed description of the terrain and trails, which I like as I hike frequently there, but that others may not like as well.
Overall, a great read for adventure, and a solemn warning should you decide to hike the Presidents. Don’t go alone; be prepared for arctic conditions, even if it is 80°, hot and dry at the trailhead; bring lots of water; tell someone where you are going; sign in at Pinkham Notch; carry a phone and/or GPS; turn back if you feel ill or lost. And never, ever underestimate these small but deadly mountains.
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Useful history of “deadly errors” in the NH White Mountains
Mt. Washington, with its relative accessibility to New England’s large population, has long been a draw for experienced and inexperienced hikers alike. Both types of hikers have been caught exposed on the mountain as it’s notorious weather takes a turn for the worse. This informative and well-written non-fiction book tells the stories of those who through bad luck or lack of preparation met a tragic end on the mountain. Not sensationalized, but thoughtfully explained by an author with deep experience of the mountain, there is not only the value of a good read to be had here, but also valuable knowledge and awareness building for those heading to the White Mountains.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
Useful history of “deadly errors” in the NH White Mountains
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
Mt. Washington, with its relative accessibility to New England’s large population, has long been a draw for experienced and inexperienced hikers alike. Both types of hikers have been caught exposed on the mountain as it’s notorious weather takes a turn for the worse. This informative and well-written non-fiction book tells the stories of those who through bad luck or lack of preparation met a tragic end on the mountain. Not sensationalized, but thoughtfully explained by an author with deep experience of the mountain, there is not only the value of a good read to be had here, but also valuable knowledge and awareness building for those heading to the White Mountains.
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2023
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