Dougal Haston: The Philosophy Of Risk. This item is unavailable.Dougal Haston: The Philosophy Of Risk

The untimely death of Dougal Haston (1940-1977) in a freak avalanche robbed climbing of one of its most charismatic, controversial, and enigmatic figures. A man of extremes who managed to combine a hedonistic lifestyle with a career at the cutting edge of world mountaineering, Haston remains a figure whose deeds have inspired climbers worldwide. He also captured the imagination of the world far beyond that of the climbing fraternity -- he had the looks of a young god and was exceptionally talented, egocentric, and obsessed with his chosen sport. Connor explores Haston's agonizing development: from his working-class background in the small Scottish village of Currie to his antiestablishment years at college and in Scottish climbing circles, to the nearly fatal accident that drove him abroad, his fearsome drinking and womanizing, and, eventually, fulfillment and peace. For all those who wonder what motivates men and women to risk their lives in the mountains, this intimate portrait of a driven, tortured personality provides many of the answers. 24 pages of color and black-and-white photographs are included in this definitive biography from Jeff Connor, which was shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Prize for mountain literature. "With Dougal Haston's death, Britain lost one of the finest mountaineers to have come from these Isles." -- Doug Scott "Haston was one of the world's greatest mountaineers and possibly the finest alpinist Scotland has ever produced." -- The Scotsman

Jeff Connor was born in Manchester and was educated at Bury Grammar School where his studies lost out to sport at the age of 15. A retired ruby player at both codes of union and league he is also a former champion professional hill runner, a keen skier and a five-days-a-week gym addict. He is divorced, lives in Edinburgh and is the rugby correspondent for Scotland's leading Sunday newspaper, Scotland on Sunday. His previous books include 'Wide Eyed and Legless: Inside the Tour de France' and 'Creagh Dhu Climber' (short listed for the Boardman/Tasker and Banff Mountain Festival prizes for mountain literature in 1999/2000).