The Darkness Beckons Paperback

Encyclopedic review of the world wide history of cave diving. Accurate. Not a novel. The author has a life passion of documentation and understanding of how we got from zero to the current state of the art, science and practice of cave diving. Well done.

Nice description of cave diving history, 2 thirds of the books related to Great Britain cave systems.

I bought this book while on a diving trip. Instead of going diving again, I promptly spent the rest of the day holed up in my hotel room reading it. I'm extremely impressed with this incarnation of "The Darkness Beckons". Farr as done a wonderful job organizing and presenting cave diving history.

This book is the bible of cave diving, it is a must have for any cave or technical diver. Sports divers and even non-divers will also enjoy the amazing adventures in this book. It is exploration in its extreme format, with no room for error

Martin Farr's book is by far the best book on the subject of history and development of cave diving. It is really exciting as you follow the development of the sport over the years from before the war to the latest trimix dives, scooter etc... Geographically it concentrates on the UK (about 1/3 of the book) and then Europe, USA and the rest of the world. Mandatory for anyone involved in cave diving and recommended for all interested in adventure stories.

Farr tells the complete story of cave diving in England's caves (often sumps), and then describes all major explorations worldwide (up until the beginning of the nineties). The book is not centered on Florida's caves so american cave divers might be somewhat disappointed. There are many pictures and drawings, the account is always accurate and detailed. It is a very interesting lecture and reference for any cave diver, not very much so for an open water diver. Cave divers are explorers that always pursue the extreme: deeper or longer into a cave; this will probably fascinate most adventure seeking people.

The Darkness Beckons is a phenomenal book; I read it in 3 days. I am not a cave diver, being more comfortable in open water dives as an occasional recreational pastime, so in this respect am more of an armchair explorer fascinated by the discovery and exploration of some of the most remote places on Earth.The dozens of photographs and drawings illustrating the layouts of cave complexes add a layer of richness to Farr’s already fascinating text, allowing the reader to work their way through sumps with the divers.Beginning with the history of the sport, the book moves on through exploration of U.K. systems before reaching out into exploration of systems in Europe and beyond. This is not an adventure book - Farr’s writing is factual rather than sensational, though you can’t help but be gripped by the euphoric discoveries and tragedies recounted. Many of the names in this book are those that anyone that has read up on deep water or cave diving will recognise, and names that will doubtless crop up in further reading should you wish to explore the subject further. Technical aspects are covered and offer a glimpse into the complexities of diving at duration or at depth.This is a comprehensive book that will enthral divers or those with an interest in exploration alike.

I have read the first versions and they were simply breathtaking. I'm sure this revised and added to version will be even better.

A brilliant terrifying book well worth reading not only for scuba and cave divers but anyone would be blown away by this beautiful book

What a read magnificent

Great look back into the history of British Cave Diving, with triumphs and tragedies.The book arrived swiftly, and it's condition accurately described