The Lifer - by Russ Clune (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

One of the world's most well-traveled rock climbers, Russ Clune takes us on an up-close journey though the evolution of the sport over the decades.

From his home turf in the Gunks of New York State, to cliffs in far flung regions of the planet, Clune brings to life hilarious and sometimes horrifying escapades while he tests his mettle. Along the way, he deftly illustrates the changes that morphed rock climbing from a dirtbag activity for somewhat eccentric people to today's Olympic sport status for its most dedicated practitioners. As Clune travels, the reader is introduced to a who's-who of climbers of the past and pulled into the experiences that created special bonds and lifelong friendships. Russ Clune's journey through climbing is a thrilling exploration of the pivotal moments that have shaped modern climbing. From seeking the hardest routes to exploring new areas and savoring climbing partnerships, Clune's stories mirror the evolving arc that every climber experiences-from what you climb to where you climb and, ultimately, who you climb with.

"The Lifer" is more than a climbing memoir; it's an invitation to experience the thrill, challenges, and camaraderie that define a lifelong love affair with the rock. Whether you're a climber or an adventurous reader, don't miss this unforgettable journey through the evolution of a sport and a life lived on the edge.

Review Quotes

"Having been the first American to travel abroad to many of the most historic climbing areas throughout the world, Russ's colorful and hilarious stories depict the essence of climbing culture as it evolved from the dirtbag days of death defying first ascents, to the development of climbing areas across the globe, to the current status as a mainstream Olympic sport."

-Lynn Hill

First female rock climber free assent of El Cap

"If you're a climber, you'll love this memoir. Russ Clune has been everywhere, climbed everything, with a tremendous cast of partners and friends, and he has the natural storyteller's ability to keep you with him every step of the way. There is a close-grained history of modern climbing here as well as his own pilgrim's progress. If you're not a climber, welcome to a full-blown obsession. Feel the burn, the fear, the joy, the horror, and learn a new language without risking life and limb."

-William Finnegan

Author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book: Barbarian Days

"Reading Russ's stories from the golden era of rock climbing is incredibly inspiring, featuring snapshots of some of the most relevant climbers and areas and routes of our sport. Not only is it a great personal account of finding one's way in the world of climbing but also brings to life some of the incredible characters, climbing areas, and routes that ushered in modern day climbing."

-Chris Sharma

Renown Climber and star of the new Apple Series The Climb with Jason Mamoa

"This book is part climbing history, part memoir, and part travelogue. Russ has personally experienced many of the pivotal moments in modern climbing - this book offers a first-hand account of where climbing came from and how it's changed over his many decades in the sport. There's an old saying that when you start climbing it's all about what you climb. Then it becomes more about where you climb, and eventually it's about who you climb with. Russ' many decades as a climber travel this same arc, from seeking out the hardest routes to exploring interesting new areas to savoring certain climbing partnerships. I was moved and I laughed out loud. "

-Alex Honnold

Renown Climber, author and star of the academy award winning movie Free Solo

"THE LIFER illustrates how exciting a climbing life can be. Russ's stories take us rock climbing around the US, to Australia and back; through the evolution of the sport from Germany to South Korea, encompassing adventure climbing ethics with its spicy risks to modern redpoint sport climbing and the pursuit of pure difficulty. It's about making new friendships and cherishing old ones, while taking a trip through climbing history and Russ's own evolution from dirtbag climber to a business man who brought his spirit and love of climbing to help build an iconic brand in the outdoor industry."

-Babsi Zangerl

Professional Rock Climber

"THE LIFER is a riveting tale for those who climb and those who don't. Russ takes us up the world's most harrowing ascents, introducing us to the pantheon of rock-climbing greats along the way, but his most compelling journey is the one he takes within, building faith in himself, one move at a time, dangling high above where most mortals fear to tread."

-Author O. Sulzberger, Jr.

Chairman, The New York Times

About the Author

Russ Clune is a rock climber living in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York. His articles have been published in multiple journals, including Climbing, Rock & Ice, Mountain, Alpinist, Der Bergsteiger, Iwa To Yuki, The Patagonia Catalog, and Urban Climber. Clune has been climbing for over forty-five years and was one of America's best rock climbers during his peak in the 1980s. He is also one of the world's most well-traveled rock climbers. Clune was part of the employee group that created the leading climbing-gear company, Black Diamond Equipment, where he worked for thirty years. He remains an active climber and continues to travel the globe seeking new adventures.