I chose to climb

In this first volume of his autobiography, Chris Bonington tells of his first
climbing experiences as a schoolboy, his first serious climbing at Harrison’s
Rocks in Kent and his progression to climbs in Wales and Scotland. Then, with
celebrated mountaineering personalities such as Hamish MacInnes, Don Whillans
and Ian Clough, Chris Bonington went on to make successful ascents all over
the world, including the first British ascent of the North face of the Eiger
in 1962, Annapurna II in 1960 and an unhappy expedition in 1961 to Nuptse, the
third peak of Everest.

I Chose to Climb, first published in 1966, was Chris Bonington’s first book.
He was recognised then, as now, as one of the outstanding members of a
brilliant generation of mountaineers, which included such personalities as
Hamish MacInnes, Don Whillans and Ian Clough. Here he describes his climbing
beginnings as a teenager as well as successful ascents all over the world: the
first ascent of the Central Pillar of Freney, the first British ascent of the
North Face of the Eiger in 1962, Annapurna II in 1960 and in an unhappy
expedition in 1961, Nuptse, the third peak of Everest. The first volume of
Chris Bonington’s autobiography is written with a warmth and enthusiasm that
he has made his own. It tells of his climbing tastes and practice, and of
family, friends and partnerships cemented over many years.
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