F. S. Smythe (1900–1949)

“The Valley of the Flowers” is a wonderful book by Frank S. Smythe, which chronicles his 1937 expedition to a remote alpine valley in today’s Uttarakhand. Or, was in Uttarakhand!
The narrative includes the ascent of peaks such as Nilgiri Parbat and Mana Peak, as well as a failed attempt on Mount Rataban. I had not heard of these peaks until I read the books.
In his book, Frank Smythe dwells on botanical explorations, with detailed descriptions of the flora in the region.
If Frank show more Smythe had only focused on the expedition, I may have only considered the book to be ‘merely good.’ But his introspection on nature, economic development, human nature, cloud movement, isolation, companionship, and fellowship elevate this book and make it outstanding.
While his writing is dry and the style is perfect, the book’s underlying theme is a deep connection with nature, and it is deeply spiritual in a manner few theologians can understand.
Read the book, and rediscover the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Read the book to discover simple wisdom in those we consider ‘humble and unlettered’ people.
Read the book slowly and savor every word. You will not regret buying this book. show less

A book of black-and-white photographs of snowy mountains? What interest could that possibly have for today's digital age, when the author is writing about a time when panchromatic film (i.e. black-and-white film that was sensitive to all the colours of the spectrum and rendered their tones accurately) was still a novelty, and cameras were still sensitive instruments that needed care and some knowledge in their use?

Well, the knowledge in this book should not be forgotten. The author was show more considered one of the top mountaineers and photographers of his day, and shares his knowledge and experience about composition and exposure in this book. Snow is notoriously difficult to expose properly; and although we no longer have the problems of reciprocity failure in film and print developing, digital sensors produce their own problems when photographing bright subjects. The advice in this book is helpful in suggesting techniques that can be adapted to modern equipment. show less

Smythe's last book: a gently written account of attempts and a few successes in the Rockies. Frank's views of the potential of the area are of great interest to those of us who live here now. I was disappointed that his time with the Lovatt Scouts did not receive a more detailed treatment.
Excellent and numerous photographs.

Smythe crosses Switzerland in the run up to the second world war. We get a glimpse of the mindset which led to the conflict. Smythe recaps past glories, perhaps anticipating his own involvement and possible demise in the upcoming war. Beautiful writing from the Master.