Mountain Literature

David Stevenson discusses and reads from his recently published memoir, Warnings Against Myself. Introducing David Stevenson is journalist and writer Matt Komatsu. According to author Steve Roper,“With this book, Stevenson has joined the ranks of that rare breed: an excellent mountaineering writer…. His essays show a remarkable awareness not only of the physical world but of the innermost turmoil that can occur during moments of stress.” David Stevenson is the director of the Creative Writing and Literary Arts Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He is the author of the short fiction collection Letters from Chamonix, winner of the Banff Mountain Festival Fiction Prize. Since 1995 he has s been the book reviews editor at The American Alpine Journal.

"Denali’s Howl: The Deadliest Climbing Disaster on America's Wildest Peak" is an account of the 1967 Wilcox Expedition, one of the greatest climbing accidents ever to occur on the highest peak of North America. Twelve climbers attempt the ascent and only five return. Andy Hall, the son of the Denali Park Superintendent at the time, offers an intimate look into the young men on a big adventure.

Tom Reed has traveled throughout mountain ranges in the world and has settled in Alaska. With great eloquence and understanding, he shares his experiences and attraction to powerful mountain forces. His writing and philosophical inquiries are poetic and profound.

Gary Freeburg discusses his book about being alone on a volcanic landscape, one that few people are privileged to ever encounter. His bravery and courage is undeniable as he shares the magnificence of geologic time in Alaska.

Tom Walker resides in the shadow of Denali. He is the author of many Alaska log cabin construction books ans is considered by many to be an Alaska living legend. In this well researched book, he examines many of the controversial claims concerning the climbers of Denali and their legacies.

This exciting book explores the wild dangers and challenges James Sweeney and his climbing friends encounter in prestigious Alaska. His earlier book, The List, is referred to which describes the character and death of many of his companion climbers.

Chhiring Dorje Sherpa and Amanda Padoan speak at the UAA Campus Bookstore about their book, Buried in the Sky: The Extraordinary Story of the Sherpa Climbers on K2's Deadliest Day. This event offers a unique look into the lives of Sherpa climbers and their intimate relationship to the Himalayan mountains and exploration. At this event Chhiring Dorje Sherpa also speaks personally about his family and life in Nepal.

At this event, Amanda Padoan presents the history of Himalayan exploration from the perspective of Sherpa mountaineers in her book Buried in the Sky. Joining her is special guest Chhiring Dorje Sherpa who shares his extraordinary story rescuing Pasang Lama on K2. (Note, this UAA Campus Bookstore sponsored event was held in the UAA Fine Arts Bldg. and recorded by UAA Advancement.)

This event about Mountaineering Literature includes Alaskan writers, scholars and climbers: David Stevenson (director of the MFA Program/UAA), Clare Chesher (English Dept/UAA), Charlie Sassara (mountaineer), and Bill Sherwonit (acclaimed author of numerous books about Denali and Alaska wilderness). This event was primarily sponsored by the MFA Program/UAA. After the event, the recording was posted as a UAA podcast.