Travels Through the Alps of Savoy and Other Parts of the Pennine Chain

by Forbes, James D.

• ISBN13: 9781108037662
• ISBN10: 1108037666
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-22
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

The renowned geologist James D. Forbes (1809-68) presents an account of his systematic exploration of alpine mountain regions and glaciers in this important 1843 publication. Forbes' graphic descriptions of alpine scenery and his mountaineering feats are combined with detailed records of his scientific research and experiments. The study cemented Forbes' reputation in the field, which was later to be commemorated by the naming of the Aiguille Forbes in the Alps and of Mount Forbes in both Canada and New Zealand. The aim in writing the book, says Forbes, was to 'illustrate the physical geography of a particular district in one of the most frequented regions of the Alps'. In doing this, he draws upon the important work of the 'bold mountaineer' Horace Bénédict de Saussure, whose feats and achievements Forbes clearly admired. The book is still viewed today as one of the most influential and important publications on mountaineering.

Table of Contents

Dedication

The Alps, and alpine travellers

Some account of glaciers generally

Of the geological agency of glaciers

Description of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni

Description of the Mer de Glace continued

Account of a survey of the Mer de Glace and its environs

Account of experiments on the motion of the ice of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni

On the structure of the ice of glaciers, and of the Mer de Glace in particular

The tour of Mont Blanc - Chamouni to Courmayeur

The glaciers of Miage and La Brenva

Environs of Courmayeur - geology

The passage of the Col du Geant

From Courmayeur to Chamouni, by the Col Ferret and Col de Balme

Journey from Chamouni to Val Pelline, by the Val de Bagnes, and Col de Fenetres

From Valpelline to Evolena by the Col de Collon

From Evolena in the valley of Erin to Zermatt in the valley of St Nicolas, by the glaciers of Ferpecle and Zmutt

The environs of Zermatt

From Zermatt to Gressonay by the Col of Mont Cervin

Gressonay - Monte Rosa

Tour of Monte Rosa concluded - from Gressonay to Visp, by Macugnaga and Monte Moro

An attempt to explain the leading phenomena of glaciers

Appendix

Index

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