Of Caves and Caving
A Way and a Life
by John E Gillett               READ A REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

US price: $16.95      UK price: £14.49
Format: Paperback
Size: 6 x 9
Pages: 234
ISBN: 0-595-22057-6               
Publication Date: May-2002

This entertaining book on caving will give you a taste of caves and caving -- not only of the caves themselves, but also of the cavers in their caving world, ranging from England, Europe, to South Africa and America.

"What is caving? Caving is fun. Caving is in the darkness. Caving is illuminating. Caving is dangerous. Caving is a minority sport for idiots. Caving is international. Caving is a muddy pastime. Caving warms you up. Caving gives you hypothermia. Caving is a sport for the individual. Caving is for everyone. Caving is exploration. Caving refreshes the soul. Caving is a way of life."

This entertaining book on caving will give you a taste of caves and caving. Not only of the caves themselves, but also of the cavers in their caving world. A world that changed considerably over the forty years and more that the author spent in it.

The book is written in chronological order, but may be dipped into at random. By reading from cover to cover, it should be possible to trace the changes in caving equipment and techniques over the last few decades. It may also be possible to trace the changes in the caving society, too.

This book comes tantalisingly close to explaining the reasons why apparently sane, rational individuals are driven by some mysterious force to take seemingly senseless risks in the pursuit of pleasure. The author’s exciting journey takes us through a series of adventures beginning at a time when potholers were regarded as rather eccentric, a belief reinforced by the popular press, hungry for news of every mishap or accident.

The journey continues as an eloquently written whistle-stop tour spanning four decades and several continents giving an insight into "what makes cavers tick." There is something here for everyone – from the experienced hard man to non-caver alike, with tales to suit all tastes, of exploits from the humorous to terrifying, with interesting anecdotes that will maintain the reader's interest throughout. Each step of the journey keeps one wondering what lies around the next corner.

Frontispiece: An imaginary Cave System

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