Everest

Well-written, comprehensive, shrewd in it appraisals, concise in its descriptions of the manifold climbs, and not afraid to treat the politics, squabbles and jealousies that surrounded so many of the events described. The last few chapters do become monotonous, offering too much of a good things, but the book is superb on the important climbs and climbers: Mallory, Irvine, Hillary, Shipton, Messner, and even outsiders like Maurice Wilson are brought vividly to life. This book will stand as the standard treatment of the pursuit of the Everest Summit. The snowboarders, paragliders and skiers as well as the commercial expeditions have vulgarized it all, but this book brings us back to a time when the sacred and mysterious mountain stood in aloof resistance to a heroic band of special men.

Walt Unsworth has provided an excellent historical text. The descriptions are vivid with sufficient attention to details that paint clear pictures of the events surrounding Everest. The background information about the bureaucratic bunglings of the British is intriguing and Unsworth masterfully builds to the climax of the first triumphant ascent. I have read several books on Everest and this document helps to put so many of the pieces together and give the reader correct perspective.

I read this book a few months ago. Wanted to keep it my possession since it was borrowed from the British library in Pune. Kept going through it again and again. Constantly being thankful to the heroes who have brought out the best qualities in the humanbeings. Brings out in perfect, simple language the might of the nature, the passion and the endurance shown by the mountaineers. Any other day to day mundane activity appears to be so insignificant and futile when we read about difficulties faced by the climbers. I wanted to steal the book to keep in my constant possession. But thought, I should try out the socially acceptable way of possessing something and hence visited this site only to my disappointment!

As a big fan of mountaineering literature, I have read many, many climbing books. This one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Full of copious amounts of factual detail, yet still able to keep a fascinating story moving along. I still keep going back to it months later, just to check facts or to re-read different parts. GREAT BOOK

This is the best book I have read on the history of Everest expeditions. I loved it.