2019 Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature Shortlist Announced

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The Boardman Tasker Award for Mountain Literature continues to attract a substantial level of entries. This year there were 32 entries, from Great Britain, Canada, Italy, New Zealand and the USA. The Award will be made at the Boardman Tasker event at the Kendal Mountain Festival, on Friday November 15th 2019.

The judges for 2019 are Roger Hubank (Chair), Katie Ives and Tony Shaw. 

They have selected the following 6 books for this year’s shortlist:


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Mick Fowler

No Easy Way 


Vertebrate Publishing

A third volume of memoirs of mountaineering in the greater ranges, written in Fowler’s inimitable style; self-deprecating, understated, never taking himself too seriously while at the same time conveying that what he is engaged in is very serious indeed.


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Kate Harris

Lands of Lost Borders

Dey Street Books

A gripping account of an epic journey, fraught with difficulties and dangers, made by the writer and her partner following the old Silk Road through many different countries.


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Geoff Powter

Inner Ranges

Rocky Mountain Books

A wide-ranging anthology of essays and articles by the prize-winning Canadian climber and journalist reflecting his life-long affair with mountains and mountain people.


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David Smart

Paul Preuss

Rocky Mountain Books

An account of the life and death of the influential Austrian climber who soloed many first ascents In the Eastern Alps scorning artificial aids in preference for an ethically pure Alpine style.


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Jeff Smoot

Hangdog Days

Mountaineers Books

An engaging account of the changes that took place in American rock climbing in the ‘70s and ‘80s told with great verve, through the stories of some fascinating characters from dyed-in-the-wool bottom-up traditionalists to top-down rap-bolters.


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David Wilson

The Equilibrium Line

The Poetry Business

‘Poems inspired by climbing.’ An outstanding second collection by the poet and novelist examining ambition, failure, risk and where to draw the line in settings ranging from the gritstone crags to the Alps and further afield.


Once again the Award has generated more than 30 entries and it continues to attract a high level of interest.

Steve Dean, Secretary

Boardman Tasker Charitable Trust

29/8/19