This is the first book to explore in depth the science of climbing and mountaineering. Written by a team of leading international sport scientists, clinicians and climbing practitioners, it covers the full span of technical disciplines, including rock climbing, ice climbing, indoor climbing and mountaineering, across all scientific fields from physiology and biomechanics to history, psychology, medicine, motor control, skill acquisition, and engineering. Striking a balance between theory and practice, this uniquely interdisciplinary study provides practical examples and illustrative data to demonstrate the strategies that can be adopted to promote safety, best practice, injury prevention, recovery and mental preparation. Divided into six parts, the book covers all essential aspects of the culture and science of climbing and mountaineering, including: physiology and medicine biomechanics motor control and learning psychology equipment and technology. Showcasing the latest cutting-edge research and demonstrating how science translates into practice, The Science of Climbing and Mountaineering is essential reading for all advanced students and researchers of sport science, biomechanics and skill acquisition, as well as all active climbers and adventure sport coaches.

When times are darkest, one vampire desires more than blood. As mortal men battle for the English crown, vampire warriors’ move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood the battlefield provides. Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears a revelation of their existence to humankind should the king fall from power. While in pursuit of the king’s enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian, a human woman he craves—and not for the scent of her blood—but for the dark desires written on the pages of her diary. Meridian is torn between honoring her father’s dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Pearce. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a holy relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the Red Veil descends over them. This all-consuming attraction can drive vampires to the brink of madness and most humans do not survive its bloodlust. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the seven immortal clans and protect them from the human world or is the Red Veil a plague set on destroying any chance they might have of being together for eternity?

Winner: Banff Award for Mountain and Wilderness Literature The British Sportsbook Award for Outstanding General Sports Writing The Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature Finalist for the HW Fisher Biographer's Prize Everest was not conquered by force of will alone. It required immense planning, research, and preparation. Dr. Griffith Pugh’s role in the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953 by Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay was absolutely pivotal, yet this story has until now remained untold. As the expedition’s physiological consultant, Pugh designed almost every aspect of the survival strategy for the expedition, the acclimatisation programme, the oxygen- and fluid-intake regime, the diet, the clothing and the high altitude boots. A spirit of gentleman-amateurism had prevailed previously and this new scientific professionalism ensured the success of the expedition and opened the way for a stunning stream of mountaineering successes. Within five years climbers had scaled nearly all of the world’s highest peaks in relative safety. Dr. Pugh became known as one of the fathers of altitude medicine, saving the lives of several members of Hillary’s expedition to Mount Makalu, and pioneering safety techniques for mountaineers and hill walkers. This is also the story of Griffith Pugh, the man, a troubled and eccentric person who had difficulties in sustaining personal relationships in both his personal and professional lives. His daughter and author of this biography, Harriet Tuckey, did not discover the extent of her father’s role in the success of the climb until he was honored late in life at the Royal Geographical Society. His story shines a necessary and fascinating light on one of mankind's greatest achievments.

A lost prince Between years surviving on the streets and an ill-advised stint with Kien’s group of half-blood fae, Fen has seen his fair share of darkness. Sure, he helped capture Kien and put an end to the trouble he caused, but his actions contributed to one of the greatest upheavals of all—the return of magic to Earth. Now Fen’s mother has named him the heir to the Unseelie throne, and he has discovered he has two mates he is unworthy to claim. A deadly healer The daughter of a Seelie artisan and a human woman, Maddy can’t find anyone among her father’s people willing to teach her to heal without causing harm. But finally, she has hope—a healer on Moranaia has agreed to help her. The problem? Maddy will have to travel to their world, leaving her girlfriend Anna unprotected on Earth. For the return of magic has awakened Anna’s latent water abilities, and the temptation of the nearby river could prove too much without Maddy near. A canny enemy When a slip of the tongue reveals that Fen could share a mate bond with both Maddy and Anna, all three must come to terms with their insecurities—and quickly. The poison they believed eradicated has appeared again, and Meren, the traitorous Seelie noble who had once worked with Kien, has returned from hiding. Together, Anna, Fen, and Maddy might be able to defeat the rising threat. But first, they must conquer their pasts.

An “adventure story of man against the elements with man being the most dangerous element of all” by the award-winning author of Bone White (Publishers Weekly). Six months after he almost died in a caving accident, sculptor Tim Overleigh spends his time crutching his broken body from bar to bar in downtown Annapolis. He has told no one that it was his dead wife, Hannah, who helped him survive—and that he’s still seeing her . . . But a chance meeting with an old friend—and a plane ticket to Kathmandu—reawaken Tim’s passion for adventure. He agrees to join an expedition to one of the last unexplored places on earth: the Canyon of Souls in the Himalayas. The daunting climb will pit Tim and the other climbers against icy winds, mysterious forces, and the ghosts that live within each of them. “A thrilling edge-of-your-seat ride that should not be missed . . . If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this is a must read.” —Suspense Magazine “Malfi, like the great documentarians, really makes us feel as though we are there. Another fine effort from this increasingly interesting writer.” —Booklist “Richly detailed and filled with mysteries.” —Urban Bachelorette