Savage Arena

I read this book many years ago when I first started climbing - by far one of the most inspirational climbing books I have read. He pushed the boundaries of Alpine style climbing big mountains. The life style is also a world apart from now - they made a lot of their own climbing clothing and there was none of the lightweight gear for mountaineering that there is now. He does the usual soul searching about why people climb, the sacrifice in personal relations etc but its he does not dwell on it and it adds to the book instead of just making you flick to the next interesting section of the book. Funniest part for me is when they decide to drive to the himalayas in an old van they bought - after getting the van checked out by a garage it was recommmended they don't even use it to drive to the airport never mind half way around the world. Great book - you won't be dissapointed.

Tasker's Savage Arena is, without a doubt, one of the finest works in the vast panoply of mountaineering literature. From his epic ascent of Dhaulagiri with Dick Renshaw to his unparalleled ascent of Changabang's West Wall with Peter Boardman, Joe Tasker set an uncompromising high standard for alpine-style mountaineering. Similarly, his writing achieved a similarly high standard, which has since been recognised by the Tasker-Boardman Prize for mountaineering writing.

From Tasker's beginnings, starting to climb as a release from a seminary education, to a harrowing climax on K2, this book provides a compelling read. Told in a sparse and understated way, it nevertheless provides deep insights into what drove him to return again and again to the high mountains.One of the all time classics.

This book describes the adventures of one of the most dedicated climbers ever. His drive is so strong that one knows that he will be either successful or dead. He was an accomplished leader in the climbing world and is now dead. Some talk the talk, he walked the walk. The text is blunt, honest and irresistible. I have lent my copy to many friends who have all enjoyed it.

Savage Arena is the best climbing book I have read. This book combines thrilling adventures with Tasker's personal reflections on why he pursued this dangerous sport. The manuscript was delivered to his publisher before his departure for Everest, where he disappeared. I highly recommend this book.