Joy of Mountains – A Climber’s Life: John Harrison (1932 – 1966)

John Harrison died in an avalanche in 1966 when he was helping to search for four young climbers missing on the Otira face of Mount Rolleston in Arthur's Pass National Park, NZ. The death of one of the country’s leading climbers while he was on a search and rescue mission shocked the nation. In a notable climbing career John had completed first ascents in the New Zealand Alps, expeditions to the Himalaya (second attempt on Masherbrum (1955), and with Hillary, Lowe and Mulgrew on Makalu, Himalayan Scientific and Mountaineering Expedition, (1960-61)) and in Antarctica (first ascent of Mount Discovery and third ascent of Mount Erebus (1958-59)). John was known not just for his climbing but for the admirable qualities of his character and for his abilities as a photographer and artist.

This generously illustrated book tells the life story of John Harrison and recounts his achievements as a mountaineer. Author Wilson knew Harrison well and was caught in the same avalanche during the rescue mission.