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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 16, 2009 - 02:27pm PT
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So I just recently got “LA Climbs: Alternative Uses for Architecture” and have to share a bit about this book. Once again, we have been scooped by the Brits. Here is a hilarious 175 page beautiful book concerning buildering routes in Southern California. It is by the British Alex Hartley who is both an excellent very fit builderer and knowledgeable artist. He is also a fan of architecture especially when it is objectified down to mere surfaces, shapes and climbability. Like skateboarders and Parkourists have. Really quite dry-witted, incredibly well designed volume published in London. It is elegant actually, loaded with photos and schematics. And currently quite inexpensive ($6), check out the amazon link below. It lists for $29.95 normally. I have to think that it has not sold extremely well being kind of an obscure subject so it is discounted usually. Copyright 2003.
There are hundreds of well-described routes on all types of structures. Included summits are Museum of Contemporary Art, Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Sign structure, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, LAX, the Getty, a dinosaur park, and many private houses of architectural note, even Frank Lloyd Wright’s own home. There are even 5.13 routes. Utterly unique volume and both funny as hell and totally serious.
Get it while it is available. I can’t imagine it is going to be commonly available for very many more years. Parts of it are awfully funny too. Prime superb Brit humor.
http://www.amazon.com/Climbs-Alternative-Uses-Architecture/dp/190103349X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239905326&sr=1-1
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TKingsbury
Trad climber
MT
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Apr 16, 2009 - 02:51pm PT
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Thanks for the info! Too hard to resist so I picked up a copy through DR's link...
Cheers!
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cintune
climber
the Moon and Antarctica
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Apr 16, 2009 - 03:10pm PT
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Detailed topos. That'll keep the signmakers busy.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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Apr 16, 2009 - 03:19pm PT
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Got mine on half.com for $3.99
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Apr 16, 2009 - 03:20pm PT
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I clicked on the Amazon link, hoping for an inside look. No deal. However the pricing between the used and new sellers is interesting. Several sellers are offering it new for $5.95 with the top out at $38 or so. The used sellers include one at $5.90--$.05 savings!!--then jumps to $9. Top out at $42.
Maybe that means that once you own the book you value it more highly.
Nice looking cover and good title.
As for the sign from the Simthsonian playing on or in the plants and amimals is okay as long as you are repectful.
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 16, 2009 - 04:20pm PT
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Here is an example of how this character Alex Hartley treats his subject. This is Arco Plaza parking structure; it has three routes up to 5.11a. He cautions: "Watch for loose pigeon-shit build up on the ledges" and goes on to describe, "Lazy pseudo-modernist detailing offers good foot holds with an easy walk off through the garage".
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Roger Breedlove
climber
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
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Apr 16, 2009 - 04:29pm PT
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That's great. Thanks Peter.
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TKingsbury
Trad climber
MT
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Apr 20, 2009 - 05:48pm PT
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Got this in the mail today.
Fun and interesting book!
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deuce4
climber
Hobart, Australia
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Apr 20, 2009 - 06:09pm PT
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Great book. Love it. Just the thought of firing up buildings in LA is fun. If I were ever trapped in that urban jungle, this is one book I would I would love to have with me.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Apr 20, 2009 - 07:34pm PT
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Nice find, Peter.
And I loved Michael R., but is that pic of the Pirate solo really on the level??
JL
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matty
Big Wall climber
Valencia, CA
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Apr 20, 2009 - 07:45pm PT
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Largo- I know the reasons people have to suspect Reardon's solos in general, do you have reason to suspect that this specific photo in some way is a fake, or misrepresents the truth? (he up and down climbed before the crux or rapped in above the crux) Or are you just raising a general suspicion?
Matt
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dogtown
climber
Cheyenne,Wyoming
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Apr 20, 2009 - 07:46pm PT
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Yeah, John
It is, I'm not sure what year.I know the guy who submitted the photo.
Bruce.
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Nefarius
Big Wall climber
Fresno
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My book got here a week ago, or so. BadAss!!! Made use of it already, last weekend while visiting a friend in SoCal.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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I too got a copy of this, and would like to thank Peter for the recommendation. It's very cool.
So, those of you who have the book, which of the routes do you think have actually been climbed?
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Peter Haan
Trad climber
San Francisco, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Dec 14, 2010 - 08:01pm PT
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Bump For this crazy high quality book of Hartley.
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