In reply to Anonymous:
> (In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com)
>
> A very good piece of work by Messrs Davison, Reid et al.
> Great photos in the main.
>
> Only points of critcism:
>
> 1. A rather encyclopedic work, which due to its compact nature, hardly inspires.
You seem to be saying that you can be all encompassing and dry or selective and inspiring. I disagree, inspiration comes from within not simply from text or photos, though those can be a trigger.
>
> 2. The history section. Is it me or does it appear to be a homage to Mr Davison's obsession?
The Lakes has had a chequered history with regards recording of winter climbs - in the early days there was no real distinction between winter and summer ascents and it is only in recent years that our subdivision of climbing into cliques that has enforced this research. I think it is one of the best parts of the book. It is also needed otherwise people will keep claiming some variant or other that was done in the 18/1980s. Having had to sort out the mess when this wasn't done in just one edition of a guide, I can assure you it is needed.
>
> 3. Not doubting some of the older claimed ascents. However is there a bias towards some very vague / hysterical descriptions by establishment fiqures?
I think that Brian has dealt an even hand here - after all if there is no explicit record of the conditions of an ascent but it is known that one took place then it would be remiss of him to ignore the possibility. By putting the idea in print it may be that someone may come forward with more definite data to support or deny the hypothesis.
As an example, I am credited with the first winter ascent of Hopkinson's Gully in 1986. However before I wrote the route up I did some checking and found that Hopkinson (no less) had "led a party in icy conditions a considerable distance up the Pinnacle Face" in 1887. Now how far did he get? Enough to negate my claim? I don't know but added the comment above in the new routes book. Presumably, since the above quote is not in the new guide, Brian has found that it wasn't far enough to count as a first ascent.
>
> Is it cos' I is Scottish?
No
>
boB