Publishers Weekly
08/08/2022
Outdoor adventure writer and photographer Smoot (Hangdog Days) lauds the transcendent experience of free soloing—climbing often hazardous rock faces without ropes or equipment—but is unlikely to convince skeptics to give the sport a shot. Practitioners, he writes, “feel part of a great cosmic unity of man and stone, grooving on the authentic experience realized only in that moment between life and death when all ego disappears.” He covers the history of societies and cultures where climbing without ropes was routine, such as the Bedouins of Jordan and the “bird snatchers” of the Scottish island of St. Kilda (though he fails to consider that these groups were driven to climb by necessity of terrain rather than recreation). Multiple anecdotes detail the fatal falls of free soloists, and the bereaved they leave behind. Smoot in fact ends the work with an account of an experience he had climbing in the central Cascades, reflecting that if he fell, his corpse would never be found and he would leave behind a widow and fatherless children. Despite a voice in his head telling him that he shouldn’t proceed to the summit, Smoot persisted, because clinging to a ledge by his fingers was where he “was meant to be, for better or for worse.” This one’s for the already converted. (Sept.)
clinical psychologist and author of Strange and Dangerous Dr - Geoff Powter
With insight and compassion, Jeff Smoot has done an exceptional job of capturing the complex psychology behind one of the least understood veins of the climbing experience.
Sir Chris Bonington
Meticulously researched and splendidly written, All and Nothing is captivating. Read this book, and you’ll have a deeper understanding of not just free soloing, but the call of adventure itself.
author of The Mountain Path - Paul Pritchard
In All and Nothing, Jeff Smoot thrillingly follows a clear thread from climbing trees to extreme rock solos to the GoPro generation, delving deeply into the sociology, psychology, and spirituality of free soloing.
Gripped Magazine - Tom Valis
…All and Nothing does much to bring free-soloing to the mainstream of climbing discourse. Although Smoot may be reticent to encourage the practice, his personal accounts of free-soloing form the basis of a coherent and inclusive personal philosophy.
author of Rising: Becoming the First North American Woman on - Sharon Wood
In this deep dive into obsession, Jeff Smoot intermingles psychological research and analysis with what motivates him and other solo climbers to craft a thought-provoking, compelling book.
author of The Storms of Denali and founder of www.thewriters - Nicholas O’Connell
A rare inside view of solo climbing by someone who practiced it and articulates the risks, rewards, and mindset required to succeed at this very dangerous game. Gripping, insightful, highly recommended.
author of Where the Mountain Casts Its Shadow - Maria Coffey
Jeff Smoot’s timely book explores the mystique of free soloing, introducing a fascinating cast of characters across cultures and generations. Weaving in his personal experiences, he analyzes the allure of the pursuit and the psyches of the climbers who cannot resist this dangerous sport. Strikingly honest and intensively researched, All and Nothing is a gripping, often disturbing read.
Climbing Magazine - Steve Potter
...an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history and psychology of free soloing.
Peter Bealn Alpine Journal
[...] the climbing world owes Jeff Smoot a debt of gratitude. This is a good and necessary book.
