Warild's original 1990's version of a caving textbook remains relevant today, but his updated version available here provides the 21st century view of equipment and techniques. Accompanied by marvelous color photography, this deluxe edition has been a favorite of mine since its purchase over a year ago. Most useful are the chapters dealing with organization and overcoming disasters, both germane to the caving I've pursued during the last decade. Such caving, far from the convenience and security of organized rescue squads, is well served by reading "Vertical" and adapting Warild's principles to the alpine caving of the western United States. These areas are being explored today by cavers using the techniques that are so eloquently detailed in this valuable text.
I recommend this text without reservation as an invaluable reference for the vertical caver and single-rope rescuer.
Jay Kennedy MD