James R. Burnside

[Raymond]

One of my primary inspirations in climbing the 46 was James R. Burnside's "Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks." Not long after I finished reading it, I climbed my second High Peak and joined the Adirondack Mountain Club. One of the first issues of "Adirondac" I received had an advertisement for the book, and said that the book was written by "the late" James R. Burnside. Subsequent ads didn't indicate that the author was dead, but does anyone know for sure if he is? What happened? It was a great book; I wish there was something similar for the rest of the Northeast.

[Mavs00]

One of my primary inspirations in climbing the 46 was James R. Burnside's "Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks." Not long after I finished reading it, I climbed my second High Peak and joined the Adirondack Mountain Club. One of the first issues of "Adirondac" I received had an advertisement for the book, and said that the book was written by "the late" James R. Burnside. Subsequent ads didn't indicate that the author was dead, but does anyone know for sure if he is? What happened? It was a great book; I wish there was something similar for the rest of the Northeast.

I agree, it is a good book and fun to read. It's primary draw now is the "fluff" of the story, not really the info on the peaks. The problem with future books of this sort is the "dated" nature of it.

Given the speed internet, it seems everyone has a website with good (up-to-date) trail descriptions and 4MP digital photos or BBs with many members that are out there daily. A tree can hardly fall accross a path these days, without documentation and dissemination of the "info" within hours. Is that good or bad? Who knows. Bad in ways, good in others.

For one, I'd love to see very detailed history and information "coffee table" style books about the 46 peaks. Sorta like a modern day "peaks and people".

As for the James Burnside (the famous civil war general), he's definitely dead. I believe James Burnside (the author) is still alive.

[mike1889]

James Burnside the author died in March of 1998. My father, who was a cabinet maker, made some kitchen cabinets or a table for the Burnsides probably in the late 1970s. Here is his obituary.

NISKAYUNA -- James R. Burnside, of Niskayuna died Saturday, March 14, 1998. He worked for G.E. from 1948-1985 in a variety of positions, from advertising and promotion, PR, and his last position Creative Director in Albany, NY. After GE he became senior producer and script writer for Light & Power Productions in Scotia, NY for several years. In 1990, he established the High Peaks in Schenectady, to publish corporate and nature related books. He published four books, his first The Selling of General Electric, and his latest book `Exploring the 46 Adirondack High Peaks` in the summer of 1996. He is a long time member of Schenectady chapter of Adirondack Mountain Club and of the Adirondack Forty Sixers Club. He was a broad member of the Schenectady Economic Development Corp. He taught class at GE and in the community and has lectured in marketing and advertising at Union College and Skidmore College. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth Evans Burnside; children, Judith A. Burnside of Seattle, WA, Gretchen Burnside Lucas of Sacramento, CA, James C. Burnside of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Benjamin J. Burnside of Tucson, AZ; sister Betty Burnside of Gaithersburg, MD; brothers, Carl Burnside of Indianapolis, IN, and John Burnside of Daytona Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Wolfgang Kiess, Kathleen and Connor Burnside and Rebecca Lucas. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service which will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Niskayuna Reformed Church. The Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union Street will be open Monday evening from 7 to 9 for those who wish to call. Interment Niskayuna Reformed Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Niskayuna Reformed Church or Adirondack 46 R. Conservation Fund, c/o L. John Van Nordan, 1334 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308.

[Mavs00]

I stand corrected

James Burnside (the author) is deceased. Thanks Mike.

and;

AMBROSE Burnside (not James) was the famous civil war general. But HE IS, in fact, still dead

My apologies

[Raymond]

Thanks for the info, Mike. I'm sorry to learn that that advertisement was correct.

Tim, I agree that the trail information is quickly dated, and in some cases (like Allen and the Santanoni Range), the herd paths he and Ben used aren't even open to traffic anymore. Still, I liked the view ratings and particularly the trail profiles, the charts that showed — with exaggerated elevations — the ups and downs of each trip, along with the distance, elevation gain, typical time, and relative difficulty of each hike.

It was always a big deal when we faced an "A+" hike!

(By the way, how close are you and your family to finishing the 46 now? Has Mrs. Mavs00 recovered from her mishap? We're coming out in another week or so to try to wrap up my honey, Susan's, last three.)

[Never mind — I see you have three left, also.]

[RonandJon]

James Burnside

Mike

Thanks for the information, and the obituary. Jon and I started hiking and climbing together in September, 1998, and shortly after we began, I bought Burnsides book. I devoured it, and used it at first to decide which hikes to take, based on the ratings, the charts and the descriptions. I was fascinated and totally hooked. After we completed a hike, we would go back and re-read the relevant chapters again, to see how the actual hike compared to the pictures in my "mind's eye".

After a while, I became more experienced and learned about other books and websites, with more up to date information. But I still go back and re-read Burnside from time to time. Although it some of it has become dated as trails have changed, I still love his reflections and musings, the background information, and most of all, his recounting of the experiences with his sons. It's nice to know that some things are and remain universal. It is on my bedside table now, in fact.

I am sorry I never got a chance to meet him, although living in Albany, we are just a short "hike" from his home. Perhaps someday we will write to Jim or Ben, or even meet them in person, and tell them just how much we admired their dad, and were inspired by him.

[Mavs00]

Raymond,

I do agree with you about the ratings and elevation profiles too. I always felt a twinge of pride after a A+ hike too . Plus he just had a real way of with words.

And.... Yes, we all have three left. Allen, Whiteface & Esther. Katie's hand is healing, but she's been given the green light to hike anyway. Allen sometime in August and W+E on Labor Day. I'm going up a few times before them for some bushwhacking and "free" hikes.