 Edward Whymper, engraving, 1881 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | English |
| Born | 27 April 1840 London, England |
| Died | 16 September 1911 (aged 71) Chamonix, France |
| Occupation(s) | Mountaineer, illustrator, author |
| Climbing career | |
| Known for | First ascent of the Matterhorn |
| First ascents | |
Edward Whymper FRSE (27 April 1840 – 16 September 1911) was an English mountaineer, explorer, illustrator, and author best known for the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Four members of his climbing party were killed during the descent.[1][2] Whymper also made important first ascents on the Mont Blanc massif and in the Pennine Alps, Chimborazo in South America, and the Canadian Rockies. His exploration of Greenland contributed an important advance to Arctic exploration. Whymper wrote several books on mountaineering, including Scrambles Amongst the Alps.
- ^ Fleming, Fergus (3 November 2000). "Cliffhanger at the top of the world". The Guardian.
- ^ "Blueplaque commemorates Matterhorn climber Edward Whymper". The Guardian. 15 September 2011.