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North American caving has burst national boundaries. Modern highways and twentieth-century technology have multiplied many times man's ability to respond to the lure of caves, and three decades of systematic studies have skyrocketed the known lengths of Stygian passageways. Throughout our continent, countless thousands increasingly seek the uniqueness of these passageways for the pleasure of exploration and reexploration, for scientific studies, or for the renewal of city-jaded souls.

But, with a few dramatic exceptions, many of even our most experienced cavers fail to appreciate the magnificent variety of our caves. Many traveling spelunkers expect those of distant regions to be mere facsimiles of those near home-a bit warmer or colder, or drier or wetter, but otherwise much the same. Many perpetuate the old idea that "caves in anything but limestone" have little to offer.

This book covers all aspects of caves and caving, from how caves are formed to equipment and procedures used by cavers, from lamps to ropes to first aid to search and rescue.

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