The Climbing Chronicles record the 1940s climbing exploits of Harry Parker. Born in Blackburn on 29 February 1916, Harry started climbing before the war and continued to do so after its conclusion, exploring the Peak District, Wales, the Lake District and Scotland. Each night he noted down his adventures in his 'chronicles', recording the routes he climbed, the walks, bicycle rides and journeys he undertook, and the people he met along the way. Harry's remarkable diaries have now been transcribed by his son John, and the resulting Chronicles offer a first-hand view of climbing and walking in Britain in the 1940s. With an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a sense of fun that springs from every entry, The Climbing Chronicles is an entertaining and fascinating - not to mention quirky - read.

Harry Parker (1916-1981) was born in Blackburn on 29 February 1916. He attended Central School, Blackburn and later the Harris College, Preston, where he obtained an external degree from London University. He was employed as a college apprentice by Metropolitan Vickers in Trafford Park before the war, where he became a chartered electrical and mechanical engineer. He remained with 'Metro Vicks' through the war years until 1960, working as a design engineer and in sales. At the beginning of 1960 he moved to Bruce Peebles in Edinburgh, returning to Preston in 1962 following his appointment as a lecturer in electrical engineering at the Harris College. He subsequently lectured in Oldham and part time for the Open University following retirement.