The Tom Frost Book

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List

This thread has been locked

Messages 1 - 12 of total 12 in this topic

Steve Grossman

Trad climber

Seattle, WA

Topic Author's Original Post - May 19, 2019 - 02:57pm PT

As activity on this forum is clearly winding down, I wanted to update people on the status of my pictorial biography of Tom Frost. The Tome of Tom is in final edit stage and I couldn't be more psyched about the content and quality of the result. Working with my multi-talented friend David Harris, we have created a truly unique testament to both Tom's life and the Golden Age of American climbing in which he played a vital role. Those of you that came to the last Oakdale Climbers Festival got a chance to take a look at the second working version and put your name on the contact list there.
I will soon be launching a crowd-sourced fundraiser, likely through Indiegogo, to presell a few hundred copies in order to help me self-publish this remarkable book through the North American Climbing History Archives (NACHA).
If you would like to be contacted via email once this fundraiser is in motion, please contact me at scgrossman (at) msn (dot) com and I would be happy to fill you in on the details.
Thanks for all of the appreciation and support for my historical efforts that you fabulous STers have provided.
This is a magnificent book and a perfect tribute to our greatest generation of climbers for all that they have given to us. "Kowabunga!", as Tom liked to say. He passed out of this world a content man knowing that his story was going to carry forward in this beautiful way and also through the Flatlander Films documentary. Tom Frost deserves no less.
I also need to mention that NACHA is in possession of and administering all of Tom Frost's photos so if you would like to support our efforts by buying a Frost print then contact me and I will make the arrangements so that you are able to have one.
Cheers all!

Ghost

climber

A long way from where I started

May 19, 2019 - 04:05pm PT

Working with Steve (who is pretty damn multi-talented himself) on this book has been a wonderful experience. I'm only sorry that Tom won't be there to accept the ceremonial first copy when it comes off the press.

When Steve says this is a magnificent book, he's not blowing his own horn or mine. It truly is magnificent -- in size, concept, content and reproduction quality. I have showed a bound proof to a few people, both climbers and non-climbers, and they all react the same way: Completely losing themselves in it, and getting pissed when I say they have to give it back. Well, okay, "pissed" isn't the right word, but everyone who has seen it has been reluctant to come back from it and reenter the world.

Most of you know that Tom was a pioneer of the Golden Age of Yosemite, and his leading part in that age is well covered in the book. But he was many, many other things as well. One of the finest young sailors ever to come out of the US, an extraordinarily talented gear designer (not just climbing gear, either -- his work in movie lighting was revolutionary), a gifted and determined alpine climber who took part in, and often led, cutting-edge climbs in the Alps, the Andes, the Yukon, and the Himalaya.

And, of course, he was a gifted photographer who combined technical excellence with an amazing empathy for the people who played as much of a part in his photos and his life as did the mountains and rock faces.

I think Steve has done an incredible job of balancing the stories and the photos, and if you care at all about the history of climbing and/or love serious photography you are going to love this book.

Cheers

David

Fritz

Social climber

Choss Creek, ID

May 19, 2019 - 04:42pm PT

Big Congrats to both of you on what sounds like a superb bio of Tom Frost!

JEleazarian

Trad climber

Fresno CA

May 19, 2019 - 07:33pm PT

Thanks, Steve, for the update, and for your historical posts on ST. I look forward to the release of your Frost bio.

John

Steve Grossman

Trad climber

Seattle, WA

Topic Author's Reply - May 20, 2019 - 02:25pm PT

It has been a fun ride so far with cold beer all along the way and a great view at the end. Hanging out with David during this project almost doesn't qualify as work.