©1997, ProMotion, inc.
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Review by Wes Breazeale
Last year's disaster on Mount Everest, in which ten climbers died, thrust the world of mountain climbing to the forefront of the American psyche. Jon Krakauer's harrowing recounting of the debacle in "Outside" magazine, and later in his best-selling book "Into Thin Air," brought home the message that mountain climbing is a dangerous sport, yet one in which more and more people are becoming involved.
The number of books published on the Everest accident, and other climbing adventures, has grown considerably as a result of Krakauer's phenomenal success with "Into Thin Air." It is with some trepidation then, that one might approach Seattle writer Bruce Barcott's new book "The Measure of a Mountain: Beauty and Terror on Mount Rainier," fearing that it may just be another tale of misfortune on a mountain. To make this assumption would be a shameful mistake. In "The Measure of a Mountain," Barcott has written a reverent tome which is at once a homage to Washington state's Mount Rainier as well as an exploration of humanity's obsession and fascination with mountains.
Like a long hike itself, Barcott's tale is a meandering paean to the lure of mountains, and a thorough recounting of the social and historical role of Mount Rainier in the Pacific Northwest. Anyone who has ever felt the inescapable lure of Nature, whether the solitude of the desert, the might of the ocean, or the calm of a quiet forest, will appreciate the power that Mount Rainier exerts over Barcott. Although he ends a relationship and quits his job in order to pursue a total understanding of the mountain, the reader never gets the feeling that he has any sense of loss. Relinquishing those two aspects of his life merely provides him with more time for the mountain.
And yet this book is not just tales of his adventures on Rainier. Barcott spoke to anyone who knew anything about the mountain. From seismologists to entomologists, sociobiologists to Indian chiefs, Barcott leaves no stone unturned in his quest to fully understand the mountain, and through it, himself. In an effort to grasp his own obsession, he even seeks out renowned Seattle climber Scott Fischer, well known in the area for his obsession with climbing the world's highest and most difficult peaks. Sadly, only weeks after talking with Barcott he undertook the aforementioned fateful ascent of Mount Everest. He did not return. Barcott's writing is as intriguing as the mountain he presents. With each chapter we not only understand and appreciate Rainier that much more, but we also feel one step closer to the summit, one step closer to understanding.
Surprisingly, "The Measure of a Mountain" is also quite amusing. Mount Rainier may not seem the ideal candidate for a send up, but Barcott never lets his sense of humor escape him. From his early escapades gearing up at the local REI, to his lonely treks with only marmots as companions, he is able to find the humor in almost any situation. His irreverent commentary and youthful approach are a wonderful counterpoint to the sometimes detailed scientific portions of the book.
All told, "The Measure of a Mountain" is a worthy addition to the increasing library of mountaineering books.
Wes Breazeale lives in Portland, Oregon under the watchful gaze of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens.
©1997, ProMotion, inc.