Stanford Alpine Club

The Stanford Alpine Club was formed in 1946 by three returning Word War II veterans, Al Baxter, Larry Taylor and Fritz Lippman. The mountineering club's identity was forged in the crucible of Yosemite Valley's steep, smooth granite spires and cliffs. Members made important contributions to the development of the Yosemite rockclimbing technique, and helped pass them on around the world. However, the main focus of the club was the personal, social and recreational growth of its members. Men and women alike were encouraged to try things which seemed beyond their limits and capabilities, testing both physical and mental strength. The dangers involved - the club saw its fair share of tragedy, injury and death - did even more to bring members together and change their lives. This book is a photographic history of the club through its inception, its first trips to Yosemite, its daring moments in the Himalayas, and its later days of scaling the campus buildings. It contains text by John Rawlings, as well as photographs, reflections, lyrics from the SAC songbook and other "tidbits" from club members to provide a history of almost 40 years of the Stanford Alpine Club.