5 comments about The Climb Up to Hell.

1. A great story, poorly told. I am an avid outdoorsman and reader; the subject matter of this book is very interesting. Unfortunately, Mr. Olsen wrote this book in a time when it seemed to be fasionable to dazzle one's audience with one's vocabulary. I have not read any of Mr. Olsen's other books, but hopefully he has matured to a less snobbish style in his later works. If you are interested in mountaineering history and don't mind being confronted with an author's "look how smart I am" delivery, read this book. Otherwise, you too may be put off as I was.



2. A friend of mine is a big fan of Jack Olsen, and suggested that I read this book first as I'm interested in climbing. Since reading it, I can't wait to read his other books. Its unfair to dismiss this book simply because Olson is a true-crime writer - why does this genre get such a bad wrap? Not only is it an exciting account of the events, but you begin to feel for all the people involved. I was so interested in the lives of the rescued/rescuers that I did a search on them right after reading the book and learned as much about them as I could. I highly reccomend this book.



3. This is a fast-moving account of a true and avoidable mountaineering accident and the ensuing rescue efforts. The author holds back the real story about the apparent culprit (assuming there is one) until the very end. Fans of classic mountaineering literature written by technically experienced mountaineers will not find everything they're looking for here. Those looking for a good read will.



4. I bought this book last monday and started it that night,just couldnt put it down,keeped my on the edge of my seat and I couldnt wait to find out what happened next.I came away from this book with a better understanding of what drives men,at the risk of their own lives,to climb such mountains as the Eiger.Well done Mr,Olsen
   A great read



5. I was glued to this book from the first page to the last! What a thriller and it is true! Truly one of Jack Olsen's finest works.

No comments about Swiss Panorama.

2 comments about Ticking Along with the Swiss.

1. Americans are typically not well prepared for a cross-cultural experience. We live in a huge, relatively homogenous country, and can live our entire lifespan without recourse to a second language or exposure to someone who holds their fork in their left hand. This isn't an indictment of Americans, it is just a recognition that without being in close proximity to other cultural rivals, we have no economic or social incentive to understand that others are different than we are in unforseen ways.

   I found this book charming and entertaining. It is a selection of essays written by fluent English speakers who have spent long periods of time in Switzerland. It is also very helpful in understanding some of the subtleties of Swiss behavior and thought process.

   It is presumptious to think that inside of a few years you can totally understand a culture, but it is also arrogant not to try to understand it and meet it on its own terms. The way to do this is through study of their language, personal experience, readings on relevant sociological topics, and by reading essays like this by people bringing different view points and experiences.

   The essays vary from very light and short pieces, to descriptions of unique Swiss behaviors, to autobiographical accounts. The dryest piece, but by no means least useful, is a helpful description of culture shock and suggestions on working through it.

   While I think Americans especially need to work at cross-cultural communications skills, the book is certainly not meant just for Americans--it is meant for everyone who wants to understand more about the Swiss. Providing the varied viewpoints of 30 different commentators with completely different backgrounds, the book succeeds. Apparently, even the Swiss find it enjoyable to read this honest and objective essays by 'outsiders' living within their borders.

   This is a completely different type of book from either a tourist guidebook, or a guide to Euro etiquette. Those books have their place also, but don't limit yourself to them.




2. I would highly recommend this book. I really enjoy learning about people and customs of over countries. This is a very
   entertaining and interesting book on Switzerland

5 comments about Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Corsica.

1. I took John's first edition of this book and a map and rode the Alps and the Dolemites for ten days. We reviewed the routes and stops each morning and evening. This is a great resource if you are traveling in the area. I brought three other books on this topic and left them behind at hotels as the trip progressed, as I realized I did not need any other resources. Use this and an internet translator site (like Babelfish)and you can make your reservations in some of the same hotels that Edelweiss and other formal tour groups use.This new edition expands on the first by adding Corsica and updating the Alps/Dolemite section. It is a great read. John is the recognized authority on this area for those of us that don't speak other languages well, and don't live there.He is also correct in stating that the riding in this region is addictive.



2. I use to go on travel with my motorcycle just one or two times a year. I'm really busy and I haven't too much time to plan these travels so I bought this book thinking it could help me to plan a travel by the Alps. But it was a surprise!!! All the travel was perfectly planned in this book! Hotels, Restaurants, special places, roads, etc. Just a little deception: the pictures are black and white!



3. This is an outstanding guide to the best riding roads in the world. I recently took an organized motorcycle tour of the Alps. Good thing I took this book with me, as it quickly became my guide. Others on the tour were wondering how I found all the great roads!! If you are going to tour the Alps, buy this book now! Rates all the passes, with a short recap on each one.



4. I took a packaged tour of the Alps in 2002. Thank goodness I took this book with me. This book had so much more quality information than the touring company, it was unbelievable! Each night, we would return from some awsome ride (not on the base or recommended route). It became a nightly ritual to review where we went. People, including the tour guide, wanted to know how I knew of these roads, I showed them the book.

   Next time, I will just take this book and go, no tour company! I am a heavy rider, 30K miles per year, close to 400K miles ridden.




5. "The bible" of touring Western Europe, by motorcycle, pedal bike or auto. Mr. Hermann has produced " a must own" publication if one is planning a trip through Western Europe and wishes to be part of the history and scenic beauty that captures the essence and beauty that this region has to offer.

No comments about Michelin THE GREEN GUIDE Suisse, 4e (French Language Edition).

No comments about Switzerland: The Smart Traveler's Guide to Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.

No comments about Walking Easy in the Swiss Alps: A Hiking Guide for Active Adults.

1 comments about Michelin the Green Guide Auvergne-Rhone Valley (Michelin Green Guides).

1. Complete useful and well done information package for people visiting Auvergne, France. Appreciated detailed tour descriptions.

1 comments about Touring In Wine Country: The Rhone (Touring in Wine Country).

1. When I was planning for a wine trip to the Rhone a few years back, this was one of the many references I used. And it turned out to be the best. For travellers who want to visit the most interesting vineyards, stay at comfortable hotels, eat in excellent hotels, without robbing a bank, don't leave home without checking out this book first!

   Since then, I have used books Hugh Johnson and Hubrecht Duijker for other forays to different appellations around the world. And I am still having a whale of a time ...

No comments about Zurich: A Guide to the City.