The Ascent of the Matterhorn

With the Forgotten Photographs

By: Edward Whymper

Write A Review

Paperback | 12 October 2025

At a Glance

Paperback
290 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.3 x 15.6 x 2

Paperback

RRP $50.99

$45.75

10%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $11.44 with

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

Few thought of travelling to the Alps until John Ruskin extolled their rugged beauty in 1842. More than anyone, it was 25-year-old Edward Whymper who imbued them once again with a sense of alarming mystery after his Alpine memoir and first ascent of the Matterhorn. Inspiring the birth of mountain climbing, his book is still as fresh as when he wrote it as a love letter to the unique Alpine world and the fierceness of nature he discovered. Armed with a pick-axe, he climbed in tweeds and leather shoes, alone or with local hunters and craftsmen who carried the ropes, stores, tents and hacked steps in the ice. Even today, the mountain is treacherous and has recorded over 500 deaths since Whymper reached its peak. As an engraver, Edward Whymper enthusiastically embraced the rapidly advancing art of photography. In 1874, he took a portable camera and plates up the Matterhorn-a first-to turn photographs into engravings for a new edition of his book, and, in 1883, to include as lantern slides with talks (inspiring in teenage Winston Churchill, for one, a lifelong passion for the Alps). In this volume, these photographs are added to Whymper's original engravings and Alpine advice, to accompany his dramatic story-and many appear in print for the first time.

Industry Reviews

'A glorious account... it has that extraordinary leap from exhilaration to complete desolation.' BILL BRYSON; 'Unapproachable in Alpine literature... vivid memories of his happy time... you can almost hear the tinkle of bells on the Alps; you breathe the fresh fragrance of the pine trees.' THE TIMES; 'A classic of mountaineering literature and all storytelling.' ; DAILY TELEGRAPH; 'The vigour and power that only personal observation can give.' BIRMINGHAM POST; 'An exceptional book.' HERALD (GLASGOW); 'Still a better introduction to the Dauphine Alps and some of the finest valleys and high passes of central Europe than from modern climbing guide books.' SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.