Jan. 20, 2010 - Biographer Robert C. Pavlik will discuss one of the most notable personalities of the mountain climbing world as he reconstructs the life of legendary mountaineer Norman Clyde (1885-1972) at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at California State University, Bakersfield. Pavlik is the featured speaker for the CSUB History Department's January History Forum, which is free and open to the public.

The subject of Pavlik's recent book, "Norman Clyde: Legendary Mountaineer of California's Sierra Nevada," made more than 130 first ascents throughout western North America and may have known the High Sierra better than even John Muir. In addition to exploring and pioneering, Clyde saved many lives by helping with mountain rescues. His 90-pound pack included an anvil for boot repair and books in Greek and Latin.

"Known to his friends as 'The Pack That Walks Like A Man,' Norman Clyde was a gun-toting Classics scholar and teacher-turned-mountaineer who pioneered the exploration of the High Sierra in the early 20th Century," said CSUB associate professor of history Douglas W. Dodd. "Clyde led a colorful and exciting life and was one of California's most prolific outdoor writers. Bob Pavlik's book tells Clyde's story and helps fix him firmly in California's historical memory."

Pavlik is an environmental planner and historian for the California Department of Transportation. He lives in San Luis Obispo. His book is published by Heyday Books, a Berkeley-based nonprofit publisher of books on California history and culture.

The CSUB History Forum will be held in the Albertson Room adjacent to the Doré Theatre. Refreshments will be served and Russo's Books will sell copies of Pavlik's book. Parking is $2 in Lots C and B. (See map at www.csub.edu/campusmap.) The event is co-sponsored by Associated Students Inc., CSUB's student governing body.