Bradford Washburn, An Extraordinary Life: The Autobiography of a Mountaineering Icon

By Bradford Washburn and Lew Freedman

Here at last is the thrilling memoir of the legendary mountaineer Bradford Washburn, one of the last surviving explorers and adventurers of the twentieth century. Drawing from decades of memories, journals, and an exquisite photographic collection, Washburn completes the self-portrait of a man drawn to altitude, from his first great climb of Mount Washington at age eleven, through numerous first ascents of peaks all over the world, to handily scaling a climbing wall at eighty-eight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Graphic Arts Books
• Release date: May 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9780882409481

Bradford Washburn

Bradford Washburn was an explorer, mountaineer, photographer, cartographer, and former director of the Boston Museum of Science. Washburn gathered many awards over the course of his career, including nine honorary doctorates, the Centennial Award of the National Geographic Society (shared with his wife Barbara, the first woman to summit Mount McKinley), and the King Albert Medal of Merit.

Reviews for Bradford Washburn, An Extraordinary Life

[westmarginpress · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the last surviving explorers and adventurers of the 20th century, Dr. Bradford Washburn, now in his 90s, provides the most detailed look at his multifaceted, exciting career. Washburn is renowned for his pioneering work in aerial photography in Alaska’s mountains, his thirteen first ascents of Alaskan peaks, his devotion to science, and his decades-long relationship with the National Geographic Society. Washburn is also famed for his meticulous cartography, having mapped Mount McKinley, Mount Everest, and the Grand Canyon. He led the first ascent of the popular West Buttress route on the 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. And for four decades, he’s been a major player in leading and developing Boston’s Museum of Science. This autobiography also offers rare photographs and little-known anecdotes about Washburn’s World War II service, other explorations, and his special partnership with wife Barbara.

[lynnmellw · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I was excited to read about this mountain climber that I’d heard so much about. However, I can’t recommend his autobiography. It is not well-written. There are many interesting stories about his adventures, but I kept stumbling over the poorly worded passages. He gives way too many details in some instances and the reader feels like he/she is plowing through to get to the climax of the story. I also found the large serif typeface distracting as I was reading.

[skslib · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through the Member Giveaway program at LT. I was excited to read about this mountain climber that I’d heard so much about. I can’t recommend his autobiography though. It is not well-written. There are many interesting stories, but I kept stumbling over the poorly worded passages. He gives way too many details in some instances and then in others leaves the reader hanging. The typeface was distracting to me as well.

[catscritch · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book takes you from the first glance up to the top of the mountain and all the preparation in between. For someone like me who never wanted to climb a mountain whether it was THERE or not, it demonstrates the love, beauty and spendor from simply putting one foot in front of the other until you reach your goal. Full of loving memory and beauty of the view, Bradford Washburn shares a life of adventure and purpose. Quite a read!

[sealford_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have heard various tales about mountaineers in my lifetime, but was never really able to hear about it firsthand, from their own personal view. The pictures that the author included made his story all the more real, because the pictures were as tangible as the words. While reading this book, I could close my eyes and imagine myself in the great outdoors, learning all the tricks the mountains have to share. To know that the author is in his 90s is almost unbelievable, but reading his story shows the reader exactly how fascinating his life truly was. Though it took me a while to read this book, the only reason why is because I kept going back to look at the pictures (which really added to the story). If you are into learning about great adventurers, this book is definitely a must-read.

[deslni01 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bradford Washburn led a remarkable life. He is famous in Alaska for his exploration and mountaineering. He was the first to ascend over a dozen mountains - and discovering several along the way - while capturing remarkable photographs published in National Geographic and on display in several museums. He studied and collected data for geological survey work. Washburn also spent time as a cartographer, mapping the Mount McKinley, the Grand Canyon and Everest, among a large amount of other maps. However, his true pride was envisioning and building the Museum of Science in Boston.The statement from Harvard, upon presenting Washburn with an honorary degree (which he seems to collect, he has so many!) does a wonderful job summarizing Washburn:Traveler, explorer and map maker. He has moved mountains by changing a dusty Boston institution into a lively educational adventure for young and old.Published only two years before his death (at the young age of 97), Bradford Washburn's autobiography brings his interesting story to life. Complete with a wonderful collection of photographs throughout his life and adventures (including a picture of him climbing a climbing-wall at the age of 88!), the reader is truly able to get a feel for the explorer and his long life.Although some parts may seem a little slow, and certain passages seem to be irrelevant and jump around a bit, any reader - not just mountaineering buffs - should take part in the exploration and adventures of Bradford Washburn.

[sarglib · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting life. Every chapter tells of a different adventure. So if you don't like one chapter, skip to the next one. I especially enjoyed the chapter on how he met his wife.

[graphicartsbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the last surviving explorers and adventurers of the 20th century, Dr. Bradford Washburn, now in his 90s, provides the most detailed look at his multifaceted, exciting career. Washburn is renowned for his pioneering work in aerial photography in Alaska’s mountains, his thirteen first ascents of Alaskan peaks, his devotion to science, and his decades-long relationship with the National Geographic Society. Washburn is also famed for his meticulous cartography, having mapped Mount McKinley, Mount Everest, and the Grand Canyon. He led the first ascent of the popular West Buttress route on the 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. And for four decades, he’s been a major player in leading and developing Boston’s Museum of Science. This autobiography also offers rare photographs and little-known anecdotes about Washburn’s World War II service, other explorations, and his special partnership with wife Barbara.