Spirit of the Age:

The Biography of America’s Most Distinguished Rock Climber, Royal Robbins

by Pat Ament

"Once upon a time a new generation of climbers saw that it had stumbled into the Paradise. On every side there were boulders, crags, spires, domes and walls, mostly untouched. There was even the World's best cliff, a solid square mile of rock and closer to the road than Dinas Cromlech. The sun hardly ever stopped shining. This was in California in the '50s. The story of those explorers is well known. Amongst them the most driven and ambitious, which is what counts in rock-climbing were Royal Robbins and Warren Harding. (…)"
Harold Drasdo, "High" 1993, February, No. 123, p.73 

"In one of the most important books of the decade, Colorado climber and author Pat Ament has written a superbly evocative and lasting biography of this most influential figure. Spirit of the Age could not be a more apt title, as Royal Robbins was at the focal point of so many controversies and developments during his active years. (…)
The 1960s were a landmark decade for American rock climbing , when Yosemite climbers, particularly Royal Robbins, led the way into the future. (…) Clean climbing and the use of nuts, Robbins began advocating in 1968, represented a tremendous leap forward, changed climbing the world over, and helped preserve our most vital resource, the rock. (…)
The text is supplemented by over 200 extraordinary black-and-white photographs, many of which were taken by Robins' longtime Yosemite partner, Tom Frost. Add a selection of cartoons from the sharp-witted pen of Sheridan Anderson, and this historic book is a photographic and literary feast which balances well with Royal Robbins remarkable career."
Ed Webster, "American Alpine Journal" 1994, p. 290-292

"I read the book cover to cover in one sitting, and came away with a much deeper respect for Robbins - even a little uncomfortable faced with and example of a life lived so adventurously, thoughtfully, and with such integrity".
Jeff Achey, "Climbing" 1993, April/May, No. 137, p. 164