Born to Climb: From rock climbing pioneers to Olympic athletes

Born to Climb is a captivating book that explores the cultural history of rock and competition climbing,interwoven with the author's own climbing journey. It highlights under-represented topics such as women/gender, elitism, and the average climber and brings climbing right up to the current day.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing Ltd

Climbing is one of the world's fastest-growing sports, offering an exciting, addictive, and arguably more fun alternative to going to the gym. In 2021, it made its long-awaited Olympic debut, but its journey to Tokyo has been anything but traditional. Traditionalists argue that climbing is not a sport at all.

In "Born to Climb," anthropologist and climber Zofia Reych delves into the fascinating cultural history of rock and competition climbing. Reych offers a fresh perspective on some of the pivotal moments and outstanding individuals in the sport, from eighteenth-century exploratory forays on rock to the rise of climbing legends such as Emilio Comici, Wolfgang Güllich, and Lynn Hill. The book also shines a light on the current stars of the Olympic arena, including Janja Garnbret, Adam Ondra, Shauna Coxsey, and more.

However, "Born to Climb" is much more than a celebration of the sport's famous people and places. It is an examination of modern sporting participation and culture, interwoven with the author's own climbing journey. Reych is not afraid to broach sensitive and often overlooked topics, including gender divide, capitalism, and the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing. This book is a must-read for all climbers, regardless of their level of experience.

Climbing has a rich history that spans centuries, and Reych's book offers a captivating glimpse into its evolution. From the early pioneers who ventured onto rock formations to the modern-day athletes who scale towering cliffs, climbing has evolved into a sport that requires both physical strength and mental resilience. Reych's writing is engaging and often funny, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the book's most notable features is its exploration of gender divide in the sport. Reych highlights the challenges that women have faced in climbing, from discrimination and lack of access to equipment to societal expectations that women should be more focused on their appearance and femininity. She also discusses the efforts of women climbers to break down these barriers and achieve success in the sport.

Another important theme in "Born to Climb" is capitalism and its impact on the sport. Reych argues that climbing has become increasingly commercialized, with companies and brands vying for attention and sponsorships. This has led to a focus on performance and competition rather than the pure enjoyment of the sport. Reych also explores the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing, highlighting the different ways that climbers approach the sport and the importance of finding a balance between the two.

In addition to its exploration of gender divide, capitalism, and aesthetic versus athletic approaches, "Born to Climb" also offers insights into the cultural significance of climbing. Reych discusses the sport's role in shaping society

Climbing is one of the world's fastest-growing sports, offering an exciting, addictive, and arguably more fun alternative to going to the gym. In 2021, it made its long-awaited Olympic debut, but its journey to Tokyo has been anything but traditional. Traditionalists argue that climbing is not a sport at all.

In "Born to Climb," anthropologist and climber Zofia Reych delves into the fascinating cultural history of rock and competition climbing. Reych offers a fresh perspective on some of the pivotal moments and outstanding individuals in the sport, from eighteenth-century exploratory forays on rock to the rise. The book also shines a light on the current stars of the Olympic arena, including Janja Garnbret, Adam Ondra, Shauna Coxsey, and more.

However, "Born to Climb" is much more than a celebration of the sport's famous people and places. It is an examination of modern sporting participation and culture, interwoven with the author's own climbing journey. Reych is not afraid to broach sensitive and often overlooked topics, including gender divide, capitalism, and the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing. This book is a must-read for all climbers, regardless of their level of experience.

Climbing has a rich history that spans centuries, and Reych's book offers a captivating glimpse into its evolution. From the early pioneers who ventured onto rock formations to the modern-day athletes who scale towering cliffs, climbing has evolved into a sport that requires both physical strength and mental resilience. Reych's writing is engaging and often funny, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the book's most notable features is its exploration of gender divide in the sport. Reych highlights the challenges that women have faced in climbing, from discrimination and lack of access to equipment to societal expectations that women should be more focused on their appearance and femininity. She also discusses the efforts of women climbers to break down these barriers and achieve success in the sport.

Another important theme in "Born to Climb" is capitalism and its impact on the sport. Reych argues that climbing has become increasingly commercialized, with companies and brands vying for attention and sponsorships. This has led to a focus on performance and competition rather than the pure enjoyment of the sport. Reych also explores the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing, highlighting the different ways that climbers approach the sport and the importance of finding a balance between the two.

In addition to its exploration of gender divide, capitalism, and aesthetic versus athletic approaches, "Born to Climb" also offers insights into the cultural significance of climbing. Reych discusses the sport's role in shaping society

Climbing is one of the world's fastest-growing sports, offering an exciting, addictive, and arguably more fun alternative to going to the gym. In 2021, it made its long-awaited Olympic debut, but its journey to Tokyo has been anything but traditional. Traditionalists argue that climbing is not a sport at all.

In "Born to Climb," anthropologist and climber Zofia Reych delves into the fascinating cultural history of rock and competition climbing. Reych offers a fresh perspective on some of the pivotal moments and outstanding individuals in the sport, from eighteenth-century exploratory forays on rock to the rise of climbing legends such as Emilio Comici, Wolfgang Güllich, and Lynn Hill. The book also shines a light on the current stars of the Olympic arena, including Janja Garnbret, Adam Ondra, Shauna Coxsey, and more.

However, "Born to Climb" is much more than a celebration of the sport's famous people and places. It is an examination of modern sporting participation and culture, interwoven with the author's own climbing journey. Reych is not afraid to broach sensitive and often overlooked topics, including gender divide, capitalism, and the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing. This book is a must-read for all climbers, regardless of their level of experience.

Climbing has a rich history that spans centuries. Centuries, and Reych's book offers a captivating glimpse into its evolution. From the early pioneers who ventured onto rock formations to the modern-day athletes who scale towering cliffs, climbing has evolved into a sport that requires both physical strength and mental resilience. Reych's writing is engaging and often funny, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the book's most notable features is its exploration of gender divide in the sport. Reych highlights the challenges that women have faced in climbing, from discrimination and lack of access to equipment to societal expectations that women should be more focused on their appearance and femininity. She also discusses the efforts of women climbers to break down these barriers and achieve success in the sport.

Another important theme in "Born to Climb" is capitalism and its impact on the sport. Reych argues that climbing has become increasingly commercialized, with companies and brands vying for attention and sponsorships. This has led to a focus on performance and competition rather than the pure enjoyment of the sport. Reych also explores the tension between aesthetic and athletic approaches to climbing, highlighting the different ways that climbers approach the sport and the importance of finding a balance between the two.

In addition to its exploration of gender divide, capitalism, and aesthetic versus athletic approaches, "Born to Climb" also offers insights into the cultural significance of climbing. Reych discusses the sport's role in shaping society and culture, from its origins in the European Alps to its global popularity today. She also explores the impact of climbing on the environment and the efforts of climbers to minimize their impact on the natural world.

In conclusion, "Born to Climb" is a must-read for all climbers, regardless of their level of experience. Reych's engaging and often funny writing style makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, while her examination of sensitive and often overlooked topics makes it a valuable resource for climbers and non-climbers alike. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a beginner looking to learn more about the sport, this book offers a wealth of information and insights that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of climbing.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839811524