Rock Jocks, Wall Rats, and Hang Dogs: Rock Climbing on the Edge of Reality

"What he does" is extreme rock climbing, and these essays peppered with dollops of very good advice tell what it was like in the glory days of the `70s on the big walls. A large part of John's enjoyment was his fellow fanatics, the beauty of the surroundings and, most of all, the burning desire to achieve the status of the coolest guy on the wall.

He starts with his childhood rambles (he had to be a prototype hyperactive child) and some sort of record, never once refers to a deprived misunderstood childhood. He freely admits most of his parents' gray hairs are attributable to him. He and his friends did not know the meaning of "impossible." They decide to learn the techniques of climbing (but nothing of equipment. "Equipment!" Who can afford equipment? and the next year they will somehow get to Mt. Everest and give it a go.

This delightful read is just as likely to be of interest to the general reader as the incipient or experienced rock climber. If the author could bottle and sell his self-confidence and joie de vivre, he would make millions. Spend an afternoon with John Long. You won't regret it.


The Best One Out There   August 21, 1999
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Occasionally sentimental, even purple in its prose, this is still a must-read. Primarily an account of the author's experiences climbing in Yosemite in the 70's and 80's, it's one of the only books I know of that covers this period.Useful little sidebars give practical climbing information,and many of the stories are just plain fall-out-of-your-Portaledge funny.


A Great Vicarious Read   October 31, 1998
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This book had just enough technical information mixed in with stories and philosophy to make it a great read. I am not a rock climber but I am always interested in the extreme lives of others for they give up so much to get so much. The counter culture John Long describes is hilarious without being condescending like you might find in say snowboarding. They seemed to have welcomed anyone willing to try. For the price of a movie, this is a better buy.


Immensely enjoyable   June 3, 1998
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

As I laughed and howled my way through this book, it dawned on me that one day I will have read all of Long's books, a moment I'm not looking forward to. This is climbing storytelling at its best, and as such, who cares if the stories are true or not!


Fun climbing reading   January 26, 1998
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

A good book to read when rained out. John Long is a hilarious writer. It reads just like all the climbing stories we tell (lie?) to each other after a hard day's climbing. It goes into basics for the non-climber but not extensively. Just enough for a non-climber to enjoy the book. For this reason, I gave to book to my parents to read so they can try to understand what I'm so obsessed about. Some of the stories are repeats of introductions he gives in his "How to Rock Climb Series, " but there is plenty of new stuff.