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Learning to Breathe | 
 enlarge | Author: Andy Cave
Publisher: Arrow Books Ltd
Category: Book
List Price: £8.99
Buy New: £4.43
You Save: £4.56 (51%)
New (20) Used (4) from £4.43
Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 5467
Media: Paperback
Edition: New edition
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.9
ISBN: 009947266X
EAN: 9780099472667
ASIN: 009947266X
Publication Date: March 2, 2006
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New. Shipped from UK Mainland. Delivery is usually 2 - 3 working days from order by Royal Mail, International Delivery is by Airmail.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
Learning to breathe - FANTASTIC! August 18, 2008
Mr. R. F. Buxton (Rugby, UK)
My mother-in-law recommended this book and I was a bit sceptical. However it is absolutely brilliant! I laughed & cried. A really honest account. I couldn't put the book down. I hope one day I'm lucky enough to meet the guy because he seems like a top chap. I climb a little bit myself although nothing like Andy Cave's level. It reassuring to see that in his early years he was just as scared on Stanage as I am today - so maybe there is hope for me.
From pits to peaks August 1, 2008
D. Elliott (Ulverston, Cumbria)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
As a rock-climber Andy Cave plays in the premier league, and as a mountaineer he has performed on some of the most exacting of Alpine and Himalayan routes. His book will be welcomed by those wishing to read of cutting edge exploits, but it does more than recount experiences and record achievements. He has a passion for striving higher, yet at age sixteen years it was downwards to the coal face that he followed the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Adopting a forthright approach Andy Cave provides a parallel portrayal of his early life with limited prospects, but an expanding future when he quit his job as a miner to devote himself to mountain activities and to pursue his education.
At weekends Andy Cave escaped the pit, first to nearby rock outcrops, then further afield to the greater mountain ranges. `Learning to Breathe' traces the evolution of a skinny youth, attracting the nickname `Rickets', into one of Britain's foremost climber-mountaineers, and it does so in four main sections. The first `Dust' covers from schooldays, into the mining industry, and out into the light. Along with many anecdotes the second section describes some magnificent routes including Divine Providence on Mont Blanc and Gasherbrum IV in the Himalaya, laced with comment on companions' relationships ranging from `scab' miner enemies to instructor or guide friends. A major section `Space' details his epic on Changabang in 1997. The final section `Ash' pulls together the hardships and tragedies of coal mining and mountain climbing with a single chapter headed `The Cost'.
What may be viewed as a high point on the North Face of Changabang was also a lifetime low with disaster whilst descending the South Face. Andy Cave treats the expedition with the same thoughtfulness as for sensitive family issues, and the same clear insight as for horrific features of the mining industry, and the same openness when revealing outrageous and gripping episodes in the mountains; all told with integrity whether describing disagreements with fellow miners or explaining unfair feelings towards climbing partners.
From family ties, feelings of guilt, and broken friendships in the pits there are honest comparisons with the fears he exposes in his climbing. It is this intertwining of contrasting worlds that gives `Learning to Breathe' a different if not unique twist, and the non-mountaineering element strengthens what is essentially a mountaineer's autobiography. After Changabang Andy Cave returned to his mining background to research into language variety and identity among former miners. His PhD in socio-linguistics has paid off with a keen ear for dialogue and an ability to share and reflect on delight and distress in his life, but it is obvious that Andy Cave has always been and continues as a natural raconteur. With enthusiasm and humour he pitches his tales in an attractive self-effacing style that is easy to read and completely engaging.
There is nothing dewy-eyed about `Learning to Breathe' and any fears may be dispelled with regard to fashioning of Andy Cave and mountaineering as a sentimental story like Billy Elliot and ballet. However the book encompasses a dramatic transformation, and perhaps the publisher's dust wrapper statement says it all: "From the depths of the pit to the roof of the world - an extraordinary odyssey".
An excellent book from an excellent mountaineer December 4, 2007
Nick Bryce
Andy Cave has been one of Britains leading mountaineers for quite a while. I have been waiting for a book to be released on his life (and achievements). This book does not disappoint. It's well written - being easy to read and containing enough facts to keep you interested all the way through. Would recommend.
Outstanding March 25, 2006
MR STEPHEN BARNES
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Having tried to read several mountaineering books, by experienced mountaineers, I have realised that there understanding of what makes a good read, is not the same as their undoubted mountaineering talent, there are sometimes, too many references which detract from the story.
Having read, and enjoyed all of Joe Simpsons excellent books, I spotted Andy Caves book. I was as much drawn to his background, as I live only 15 miles from where he was raised, as I was by his exploits. Andys writing talent is superb. I was unable to put the book down, and look forward in hope to reading more of his work, either fiction or non-fiction. Well recommended even if you have no interest in mountaineering or climbing.
Excellent December 31, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is definitely one of the best I've read in 2005. Andy has a very keen ear for dialogue and tells his stories extremely well. I hope that this is not the last book he writes.I am slightly surprised that the book has not had a higher profile. Perhaps there is too much coal-mining for the mountaineers and too much mountaineering for those interested in coal mining?
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