The Ascent of the Matterhorn

A young Englishman with no mountaineering background finds himself drawn into the alpine world after a chance meeting with a French guide. His first real test comes on Mont Pelvoux, where a modest success sparks a deeper fascination with the towering peaks of the Alps. From that point he sets his sights on the legendary Matterhorn, a summit deemed almost impossible to reach.

The book weaves together a chronological record of the early assaults on the Matterhorn with vivid anecdotes from other pioneering climbs. It balances thrilling descriptions of the rugged terrain with candid reflections on the many missteps and hard‑won lessons learned under the tutelage of seasoned guides. Readers also enjoy the author’s dry humor—especially his musings on the indispensable alpenstock—as he offers practical insights for anyone tempted to follow in his footsteps.