Clint Willis' "Epic - Stories of Survival from the World's Highest Peaks" is a pretty good primer for those interested in mountaineering survival stories. Several of the stories included, especially the miracle belay in the attempt to save Art Gilkey, are considered mountaineering classics.

I've read a lot of books by mountaineers -- of the 16 stories in "Epic," ten were excepts from books I've already read. Most were good selections and fit with the theme well. Even though I've read them before, it was a pleasure to read David Roberts, Tom Hornbein and Art Davidson's stories in particular.

I wish Willis had included some stories by female climbers though and that the book was organized chronologically. It was strange to read stories referring to Art Gilkey before actually reading the story. There were several other instances of this, which kind of bugged me, even though I got the references anyway.

If you're into adventure stories, this is a good way to get a taste of certain books to find out if you want to read more of them. ( )

A great collection of adventure and mountaineering stories, including one by Jon Krakauer, perhaps best known for his book Into Thin Air, as well as lesser known writers. Recommended especially for armchair mountaineers. ( )

An exciting collection of well-written stories of experiences climbing a variety of mountains. These show why climbing mountains is not for the weak or the faint of heart. I highly recommend it. ( )