Marbach, Georges and Tourte, Bernard, 2002, HB, 232pp

First published in 1973 in French, this third updated edition has been translated into English and includes new techniques and modern equipment. The book had gathered renown as being a manual with biblical status- full of wisdom and common-sense. Drawings are exceptionally clear and some will be recognised as those used by Petzl. The manual is divided into 3 sections - Equipment, Physical and mental aspects and Underground, each is then divided into sub-headings. While it emphasises vertical caving and rigging practices, the book also presents new and thorough discussions of many other aspects of caving exploration. This is an excellent publication and should be of interest to both new and experienced cave / mine explorers. 46 B&W photos, numerous drawings and sketches. (New book)