Overview
Royal Robbins and Warren Harding were two wildly different men who loved the challenge posed by big walls of granite—some that had never been climbed! They paired up to attempt an epic climb on Half Dome. When they didn’t make it to the top, they went their separate ways and soon became fierce rivals, racking up first ascents around Yosemite Valley.
This suspenseful, true story offers a fast-paced adventure with a dash of sports history and environmental awareness, told by Kate Messner—one of today’s foremost writers of nonfiction for young people—and climber-illustrator Stevie Lewis, whose love of the sport is on dazzling display. Readers will join the journey as the climbers chase their personal passion for thrilling exploits, which in turn showed the world the heights that are possible when there is someone pushing you to achieve.
Perfect for:
- Fans of Kate Messner’s popular History Smashers series
- Fans of adventure stories, sports biographies, and national parks tales
- Teachers and librarians looking for picture books about nontraditional sports
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers searching for exciting nonfiction to engage young minds
This book title, First Ascent (The Epic Yosemite Rock-Climbing Rivalry of Royal Robbins and Warren Harding), ISBN: 9781951179335, by Kate Messner, Stevie Lewis, published by Yosemite Conservancy (August 5, 2025) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer First Ascent (The Epic Yosemite Rock-Climbing Rivalry of Royal Robbins and Warren Harding) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order First Ascent (The Epic Yosemite Rock-Climbing Rivalry of Royal Robbins and Warren Harding) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!