Shawangunk Rock Climbing. Richard DuMais. Chockstone Press, Denver, 1985. 84 color and 31 black and white photographs. $27.50.

Since the appearance of CLIMB!, climbing enthusiasts in the East have been waiting for their own version of this classic of the Colorado scene. Rumors have popped up through the years of this person and that person working on a book, but none materialized. Finally, Dick DuMais and Chockstone Press have taken the bull by the horns, and produced a coffee-table-size book on rock climbing at the Gunks.

It is said that everyone has 20/20 hindsight, and critics of this book are no exception. True, DuMais should have had a more in-depth history, with anecdotes and interviews. Yes, he hardly mentioned what has happened at the Gunks in the past five years. I also agree that he should have gathered photos that weren’t previously published.

On the other side of the coin however, the pictures that were included are of incredible quality. It is obvious, that no cost was spared in reproducing the original slides. The history, while telling us nothing we didn’t already know, is very readable and enjoyable. In addition, DuMais solved a long standing need at the Gunks... He has produced an historical picture essay and reference work that will be bought and enjoyed by the majority for years to come.

Todd Swain