David Roberts

Often referred to as the "dean of adventure writing," David Roberts is one the most prolific American climbing authors to date. His books, which include the notables Deborah: A Wilderness Narrative and The Mountain of My Fear, appear on short lists of must-read climbing literature almost by default. He is also among the best Alaskan alpinists of his generation, with many notable first ascents in that state. In 2015, Roberts was diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. Since then, struggling with exhaustion, chemotherapy and illness, he has continued to write, including a flurry of articles and online posts that remind many of his early musings on death, partnership and climbing.