In this captivating compilation of his most cherished works, renowned climber and author John Long intertwines his passion for climbing with the art of storytelling. GRANITE MARINER divulges Long's experiences of a life fully lived. When adventure/extreme sports achieved liftoff in the mid-1970s, John Long stories provided a kind of Technicolor diary of what it was like to shoot rapids with Punan tribesmen in Borneo, and scale the great granite monoliths in Yosemite. From the rugged heights of sheer granite walls to the enchanting allure of uncharted cavescapes, Long's words paint a vivid portrait of his exploits. Traverse the rocky crags of Long's memory as he recalls the first ascents that defied convention, immortalized by his daring prose. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate treacherous terrains alongside him, where every hold and every step are infused with the raw essence of life itself.

Long's award-winning stories brought into focus the DNA of the athlete's inner experience. How the characters sounded and felt and lived - and sometimes died. In turn literary, noir, absurd, and cosmic, Long's stories span nearly five decades, have been read by millions, and have been translated into many languages. The most classic and well-loved of these stories are now compiled into one volume.

Journey with Long as he unveils the layers beneath the chalk-covered hands - a collection of personal accounts that reveal the vulnerabilities and triumphs that resonate with the universal human spirit.