Leslie Stephen

Playground of Europe, the Leslie Stephen

Essays on the Alps, the delights of the Alpine rambling, and a young man's expeditions - the piece on Switzerland in winter is perhaps his finest. This is considered to be one of the landmark books of mountaineering literature, and ranks among the best in climbing literature. The book describes 16 of the author's climbs and rambles in the Alps, including chapters on "The Schreckhorn," "The Jungfrau-Joch," and "The Alps In Winter" - a classic of mountain climbing that influenced generations of climbers. Sir Leslie Stephen is one of the most famous personalities in mountaineering, one of the most respected mountaineers and men of letters Britain has produced. His first ascent was in 1857 (Col du Géant). He was president of the Alpine Club from 1865 to 1868, and editor of the Alpine Journal.