Travels through the Alps of Savoy and Other Parts of the Pennine Chain
With Observations on the Phenomena of Glaciers

James D. Forbes presents a detailed account of his systematic exploration of alpine mountain regions in this important 1843 publication.

James David Forbes (Author)

9781108037662, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 22 December 2011

468 pages, 50 b/w illus. 6 colour illus. 2 maps
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.68 kg

The renowned geologist James D. Forbes (1809–68) presents an account of his systematic exploration of alpine mountain regions and glaciers in this important 1843 publication. Forbes' graphic descriptions of alpine scenery and his mountaineering feats are combined with detailed records of his scientific research and experiments. The study cemented Forbes' reputation in the field, which was later to be commemorated by the naming of the Aiguille Forbes in the Alps and of Mount Forbes in both Canada and New Zealand. The aim in writing the book, says Forbes, was to 'illustrate the physical geography of a particular district in one of the most frequented regions of the Alps'. In doing this, he draws upon the important work of the 'bold mountaineer' Horace Bénédict de Saussure, whose feats and achievements Forbes clearly admired. The book is still viewed today as one of the most influential and important publications on mountaineering.

Dedication
1. The Alps, and alpine travellers
2. Some account of glaciers generally
3. Of the geological agency of glaciers
4. Description of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni
5. Description of the Mer de Glace continued
6. Account of a survey of the Mer de Glace and its environs
7. Account of experiments on the motion of the ice of the Mer de Glace of Chamouni
8. On the structure of the ice of glaciers, and of the Mer de Glace in particular
9. The tour of Mont Blanc - Chamouni to Courmayeur
10. The glaciers of Miage and La Brenva
11. Environs of Courmayeur - geology
12. The passage of the Col du Geant
13. From Courmayeur to Chamouni, by the Col Ferret and Col de Balme
14. Journey from Chamouni to Val Pelline, by the Val de Bagnes, and Col de Fenetres
15. From Valpelline to Evolena by the Col de Collon
16. From Evolena in the valley of Erin to Zermatt in the valley of St Nicolas, by the glaciers of Ferpecle and Zmutt
17. The environs of Zermatt
18. From Zermatt to Gressonay by the Col of Mont Cervin
19. Gressonay - Monte Rosa
20. Tour of Monte Rosa concluded - from Gressonay to Visp, by Macugnaga and Monte Moro
21. An attempt to explain the leading phenomena of glaciers
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK]