Available as Paperback
Robin Smith was one of the most legendary climbers ever to have tackled a mountain. This definitive biography draws on contributions from people who knew this charismatic and complex young man, as well as diary extracts from Smith himself.
As Smith was a friend and inspiration to many climbers worldwide, including fellow Scot Dougal Haston, High Endeavours is a fitting and long-overdue tribute to one of Britain’s most revered mountaineers, and one of the finest books ever written on the allure of the mountainside.
“A gem of a book.”
Alan Jackman
rock Climbing Club’s Centenary Journal
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“Cruickshank has produced a fitting memorial for his friend.”
climber Magazine
“It succeeds triumphantly in its primary purpose, which is to bring a memorable spirit to life.”
sunday Telegraph
“Former school friend and early climbing partner Jimmy Cruickshank succeeds in giving a flavour of the anarchic genius of Smith by means of a selection of reminiscences, unpublished correspondence and extensive quotation from Smith’s peers. It represents more of an affectionate tribute to a friend.”
scotland On Sunday
Jimmy Cruickshank
JIMMY CRUIKSHANK is a contemporary of Robin Smith’s, who was a classmate, and accompanied him on some of his early climbs. This is his first book.