Camp 4

In the 1960's, California's Yosemite Valley was the centre of the rock-climbing universe.

Young nonconformists -- many of them the finest rock climbers in the world -- channelled their energy toward the largely untouched walls and cracks.

Soon climbers from around the globe were coming to Camp 4 -- gathering spot for the creators of the Golden Age of Yosemite climbing -- to see what all the fuss was about.

Climber and author Steve Roper spent most of 10 years living in the Yosemite Valley with its intriguing inhabitants.

Camp 4 is his take on the era's top climbers and the influences behind their achievements.

The text is full of stories both hilarious and revealing about the likes of bolt-disdaining Royal Robbins; fun-loving, big-wall expert Warren Harding; free-climber Frank Sacherer; multi-talented Chuck Pratt; master craftsman Yvon Chouinard; and ill-fated Mark Powell.

Roper also tips his hat to the elder statesmen of the 1930s and 1940s who pioneered early, important climbs in the valley. Camp 4 looks at the most significant climbs, and the most riveting controversies of a legendary era. With more than 50 fascinating historical photographs, most never before published, Camp 4 is the definitive history of Yosemite climbing during this period.