Published shortly after his death, and quickly established as a classic of mountaineering literature, it combines the finest of his prose writing with his witty satire and much sought-after songs.Patey's droll, dry-humor approach to stories of first ascents in Scotland, Norway, the Alps, and the Himalayas capture his huge enthusiasm for life and climbing. His experiences and philosophies are universal, ensuring this will remain a mountaineering favorite.Tom Patey was killed in May 1970 rappelling from a sea stack off the north coast of Scotland. His premature death marked the loss of one of Britain's most charismatic and brilliant climbers.