research ~ guidebooks

WESTERN GRIT - CHEW VALLEY - ROCKFAX

Rockfax have a large number of guidbooks published on climbing areas around the world. This guidebook contains modern infographics - such as symbols and maps - showing the development of a language of notation within climbing.

BUTTERMERE & EASTERN CRAGS - about the lake district, however shows the development of guidebooks over time and the development of a language of notation within climbing discourse. The 'topos' are located at the back of the book. The descriptions of climbs, that allow the climber to locate the climbs, use text as a description rather than purely images and symbols. This guidebook is from 1987.

ROCK CLIMBING: ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

This guidebook is not about locations per say, however provides a vital insight into the complex world of climbing and the techniques needed. The book covers a number of important points on climbing safely and gives information on the risk involved in climbing; describing technical skills needed in terms of building anchors, belaying, etc. The book shows just how complex climbing is; it is not just a sport.

PICTORAL GUIDE TO THE LAKELAND FELLS - WAINWRIGHT

While this little book contains information on fells in the Lake District ('Wainwrighting') - I find the illustrations very interesting and informative. They show a way in which a different language is created to communicate aspects of the natural environment of Mountains within the Lake District.