Book Launch: republication of Rock Climbs by Richard Frere

 

This Thursday I will be taking part in the launch of a new edition of Rock Climbs by Richard Frere, first published in 1938 when the author was just 16.

The launch will take place at Inverness Library at 5.30. Details here. 

Subtitled A Guide to the Crags in the Neighbourhood of Inverness the book describes the climbs that the author and five friends pioneered in the area in the 1930s. Richard Frere went onto become a well known Highland writer. His book Maxwell's Ghost, about his friendship with naturalist Gavin Maxwell, author of Ring of Bright Water, is still in print.

The book launch is on the anniversary of Richard Frere's death on April 27, 1999. It's open to everyone.

The new edition includes additional material by the editors, Peter and Kenneth Wright, setting the book in context and lookin at climbing in the 1930s and a chapter by the author's daughter, artist Jane Frere, about her father's love of nature and her climbs with him. Jane created the linocut print for the cover.

Proceeds from the publication will help Trees for Life to restore nature in the hills Richard loved and knew so well. 

 

Rock Climbs is a wonderful book about the adventures of six teenagers in the hills and crags. That they achieved so much is astonishing. The book is also far more than a guide to the climbs. The lovely descriptions of nature and the landscape really capture the feeling of the beauty and wildness of the places and the power they held over the author.  

Rock Climbs is published by Ribbon of Wildness at £9.99.