Vertigo Games is a collection of chatty, informal tales of Colorado climbing from the mid 1970s to the early 1980s. All major areas are represented, as are many minor ones, with rock climbing justifiably being the major focus. The text is liberally sprinkled with amusing quotes, my favorite one from Leonard Coyne: “I consider placing bolts while hanging on dubious things behind dubious flakes with a dubious belay to be more truly free climbing than placing cute little nuts in cute little cracks at cute little cosmic crags.” The book is profusely illustrated with color and black-and-white photos, and all this, along with the great title, prepared me for a visual and factual feast.

Why then do I find Vertigo Games so disappointing? Not being privy to the current Colorado climbing scene—out of touch would be the kindest description—I can’t fault the book for its choice of routes or historical accuracy. But despite Randall’s prodigious efforts and obvious talents, Vertigo Games lacks both focus and authority. Nowhere are we told the criteria for his selection of routes; are these modem classics, historically important routes for the period covered, currently “in” test pieces? I suspect a mixture of the three, but there is no clear rhythm, no attempt made to put these climbs into perspective. Many of the stories end inconclusively, and the writing, while trying admirably to be honest and personal, comes off more as gossipy, tabloid-style journalism. The only thread connecting the stories is one of difficulty and danger, and there seems little else to recommend these climbs to the reader.

The photographs, many superb, are marred by almost universally poor reproduction, and the book as a whole sports an unimaginative and pedestrian design. Nonetheless, the photographs do capture some of the energy of the Colorado climbing scene and inspire you to get out on the crags. As a paean to the diversity of rock in the state, these photos might justify the book’s price, but barely. Let’s hope for better next time.

Michael Kennedy