On the Ridge Between Life and Death: A Climbing Life Reexamined

Written by David Roberts

Narrated by David de Vries

What compels mountain climbers to take the risks that they do? Is it the thrill in the physical accomplishment, in managing to defy the odds, or both -- and why do they continue to do what they do in the face of such great danger? In On the Ridge Between Life and Death, David Roberts confronts these questions head-on as he recounts the exhilarating highs and desperate lows of his climbing career. By the time he was twenty-two, Roberts had already been involved in three fatal mountain climbing accidents and had escaped death himself by the sheerest of luck. And yet, as he acknowledges, few things have brought him more joy than climbing.

In a famous essay on the subject written more than twenty years ago, Roberts judged climbing to be "worth the risk." He continues to climb to this day, and several of his challenging routes in Alaska have never been climbed since. But in reassessing the emotional costs to himself and to loved ones, he reaches a different conclusion, one that is sure to cause controversy not only in climbing circles, but among adventurers of all kinds. Candid and unflinching, On the Ridge Between Life and Death is a compelling examination of the risks we take in order to feel more alive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jun 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781799727231

David Roberts

David Roberts (1943–2021) was the author of dozens of books on mountaineering, adventure, and the history of the American Southwest. His essays and articles have appeared in National Geographic, National Geographic Adventure, and The Atlantic Monthly, among other publications. 

Reviews for On the Ridge Between Life and Death

[amerynth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

David Roberts is quickly becoming one of my favorite climber/writers. "On the Ridge Between Life and Death: A Climbing Life Reexamined" is a memoir, written by Roberts while he was in his 60's and looking back 30-40 years at his climbing expeditions. Roberts is one of those "lucky" climbers who has watched a friend tumble off a mountain and die, but always finishes a climb unscathed. Much of the book deals with the mental turmoil that Roberts suffered and addresses the age-old question about why mountain climbers continue to take the risks and do what they do.Roberts' memoir is unflinchingly honest as he looks back at some of the more painful events of his life and the reasons why after numerous first ascents in Alaska, he has backed away from mountaineering. The book is well written and compelling... featuring lots of little vignettes about other major players in the world of climbing. Very engrossing and interesting read.

[breic2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very fast read.