I LIVED the book -- or a large part of it anyway. Reviewer: Ray Streib from Fairfield, CA While stationed at Ft. Knox, Ky. in 1954 I learned of the National Speleological Society intent to explore Floyd Collins Crystal Cave. Having done explorations in Indiana caves as a boy I thought it would be interesting to go to the site in Kentucky where preparations were being made for the exploration. My knowledge of communications was quickly put to use when someone was needed to operate the switchboard. I volunteered to give it a try and was asked by expedition leader Joe Lawrence if I'd like to stay and help out. Somehow the leaders of the expedition managed to get in contact with my commanding officer and arrange for a special leave from the Army. My wife, Barbara, and I both served on the expedition. It was a difficult time for Barbara since she was soon to become a mother. Our first child, Kathy Lynn, was born just two months after we served on the staff. The book chronicles not only the small contribution that we made, but the yeoman service and dedication given by the many who were behind the scenes. One of the reporters who went into the cave spoke to his editor from deep inside the Kentucky hills. That reporter has since made quite a name for himself -- Robert Halmi, Sr. At the time he was doing an article for True Magazine. Before I left the expedition site to return to Ft. Knox I made sure I joined the National Speleological Society. Although I am now in my late 60's, I still have wonderful memories of the days spent both above and under the ground on this expedition. The excitement generated by Caves Beyond may tempt younger people to try "caving" or "spelunking" but a caution needs to be made -- Never go caving along! That is what Floyd Collins did in the 1930's. He became trapped and died in the cave that the book describes. Difficult photography was carried out on the expedition. Many of the photographs you will find in the book were done by technicians whose hearts went into their work. Joe Lawrence and Roger Brucker accurately depict the discoverie!s and dangers of one of the most unusual and interesting caves in America. I am pround to admit that I lived the book -- or a part of it. A classic of caving literature!!! Reviewer: John from New Jersey 'The Caves Beyond' may be responsible for getting more Americans interested in caving than any other single piece of literature. For a long time it was the only work on caving, a sort of informal bible. The book is both a work in itself and a prequel to its now better known cousin 'The Longest Cave'. Along with 'Trapped', these two books form an informal history of Mammoth Cave, one of the most celebrated caves of all time. The writing style is easy and free, bringing the reader into the events. By the end of the book, you feel as if you've been along with the C-3 Expedition, shared their hopes and dreams and their failures too. 'The Caves Beyond' is a book by cavers for everyone and a great introduction for anyone who has harbored hidden desires to go caving. Enlightening and Inspiring Reviewer: A reader from Texas, USA I am a college student, and after reading this book I have considered learning to cave. The authors write in away that pulls you into the story. Anyone who even remotely likes caves should read this book.

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