A Peak to Climb by Jose Burman was published in 1966 by C. Struik and stands as one of the early comprehensive accounts of mountaineering in South Africa. Burman, himself an accomplished climber and prolific writer on outdoor subjects, brought first-hand experience and historical research together in this engaging chronicle of the country’s climbing tradition. Issued during a period of growing interest in organised outdoor sport, the book captures both the spirit of adventure and the institutional development of mountaineering in Southern Africa.
In A Peak to Climb, Burman traces the evolution of South African mountaineering from exploratory ascents in the nineteenth century to the more technical and organised climbs of the mid-twentieth century. The narrative highlights significant expeditions in the Drakensberg and Cape ranges, the formation of mountaineering clubs, and the personalities who shaped the sport’s ethos. Burman contextualises local achievements within the broader international climbing movement, while remaining focused on the unique terrain, climate, and challenges presented by South Africa’s peaks.
As both a historical survey and a celebration of alpine endeavour, A Peak to Climb offers enduring appeal to collectors of Africana, outdoor literature, and sporting history. This 1966 C. Struik edition remains a valuable and evocative record of the pioneers who established mountaineering as a recognised and respected pursuit in South Africa.
