Originally from Portland—and Northwest mountain country—southern California writer/mountain climber Daniel Arnold tells of the early days of mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada in his book, Early Days in the Range of Light: Encounters with Legendary Mountaineers (Counterpoint). This is the 'early days,' 1864 to 1931. Also, Daniel Arnold did some climbing of his own, using equipment similar to what they had back then. "Early Days captures the strengths and weaknesses of those who made the first ascents of the rugged peaks in John Muir's 'range of light.' Arnold is especially good on Clarence King, and writes with great originality and insight. This is a splendid chronicle of early climbing in the Sierra Nevada." - Royal Robbins.