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Seven Summits
<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--> Frank Wells and Dick Bass had a dream. It was as straightforward as it was climb the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents. From Aconcagua in South America to Mount Everest in Asia, from Kilimanjaro in Africa to Vinson Massif in Antarctica, from Mount McKinley in North America to Elbrus in Europe and Mount Kosciusko in no one had ever scaled all seven summits -- it would be a first, a feat that had eluded the world's best mountaineers.
What made it all the more extraordinary was that Frank and Dick were businessmen, not mountaineers. Both had had so little climbing experience that they could hardly be ranked as amateurs, let alone world-class climbers. If that weren't enough, Frank was fifty-one and Dick was already fifty-three.
What made them think they could do it? Why should two successful, middle-aged businessmen risk their lives on some of the world's most remote and treacherous slopes?
Now, with veteran climber and writer Rick Ridgeway, Frank Wells and Dick Bass tell their story. It's all the frustrations and triumphs, the setbacks and the amazing successes. With a breathtaking determination and a love of adventure as large as Everest itself, they take you from the weeks of preparation to the anguish of their first ascents, from grueling days when it seemed easier to quit to the thrilling moments when a summit had been conquered.
This riveting saga brings you into the heart of courage and ambition, into an indomitable will to succeed that led two men from their comfortable lives at home in America to the harsh but beckoning wilds of Seven Summits. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {"Table Normal"; ""; 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; "Times New Roman","serif";} <![endif]-->
What made it all the more extraordinary was that Frank and Dick were businessmen, not mountaineers. Both had had so little climbing experience that they could hardly be ranked as amateurs, let alone world-class climbers. If that weren't enough, Frank was fifty-one and Dick was already fifty-three.
What made them think they could do it? Why should two successful, middle-aged businessmen risk their lives on some of the world's most remote and treacherous slopes?
Now, with veteran climber and writer Rick Ridgeway, Frank Wells and Dick Bass tell their story. It's all the frustrations and triumphs, the setbacks and the amazing successes. With a breathtaking determination and a love of adventure as large as Everest itself, they take you from the weeks of preparation to the anguish of their first ascents, from grueling days when it seemed easier to quit to the thrilling moments when a summit had been conquered.
This riveting saga brings you into the heart of courage and ambition, into an indomitable will to succeed that led two men from their comfortable lives at home in America to the harsh but beckoning wilds of Seven Summits. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {"Table Normal"; ""; 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; "Times New Roman","serif";} <![endif]-->
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 1, 2016
While this story sounded like a tale of adventure and action and personal struggles overcome by amazing individuals, it fell embarrassingly short in every important aspect.
How it's written: the prose is hard to get past - there is no complexity or variety of sentence structure, it is mostly run-on sentences with awkward phrasing, and it cannot decide which voice it should be written in. It's as though you are reading a transcript of a conversation with a seven-year-old. You will certainly get the point of the story, but it will not be an enjoyable journey. Which brings us to...
The story: There are lots of compelling stories written about various tasks and struggles and true adversity out there. This is not one of them. The main characters are bored, wealthy, white men who decide it would be worth spending, collectively, millions of dollars to climb mountains. They are unqualified and overly confident and this brings them many problems, many of which admittedly they do have to overcome - but they often do this with the help of their millions of dollars, extremely flexible and luxurious lifestyles, numerous support staff, and a stubbornness bordering on delusional. Despite having been written *by the three main characters* the characters are not likeable or relatable.
Bonuses:
(1) There is a fair amount of latent/hidden sexism buried in the way women are described and portrayed throughout
(2) The author(s) often compliment themselves and their character traits when describing who they are or what they did. Somehow, what must have required a large amount of self-reflection has revealed a reflection only of pride.
In the end, I did not find this journey one I could reach the summit of - I gave up about halfway through the book.
How it's written: the prose is hard to get past - there is no complexity or variety of sentence structure, it is mostly run-on sentences with awkward phrasing, and it cannot decide which voice it should be written in. It's as though you are reading a transcript of a conversation with a seven-year-old. You will certainly get the point of the story, but it will not be an enjoyable journey. Which brings us to...
The story: There are lots of compelling stories written about various tasks and struggles and true adversity out there. This is not one of them. The main characters are bored, wealthy, white men who decide it would be worth spending, collectively, millions of dollars to climb mountains. They are unqualified and overly confident and this brings them many problems, many of which admittedly they do have to overcome - but they often do this with the help of their millions of dollars, extremely flexible and luxurious lifestyles, numerous support staff, and a stubbornness bordering on delusional. Despite having been written *by the three main characters* the characters are not likeable or relatable.
Bonuses:
(1) There is a fair amount of latent/hidden sexism buried in the way women are described and portrayed throughout
(2) The author(s) often compliment themselves and their character traits when describing who they are or what they did. Somehow, what must have required a large amount of self-reflection has revealed a reflection only of pride.
In the end, I did not find this journey one I could reach the summit of - I gave up about halfway through the book.
February 3, 2018
Honestly, this book was super disappointing. Sure it's great that Dick Bass was able to accomplish his goal of being the first person to summit the highest mountains on every continent, but he really bought his way to the top to get that title. Throughout each climb, the author notes how out of shape he was, how much money he spent, and how he placed members of his climbing team at risk. Putting aside the money issue, Bass and Wells really relied upon experts and guides to get to the top w/o bothering to do much research or even go beyond learning the basic skills of climbing. This books left me with the impression that both Bass and Wells didn't have respect for the mountains they were climbing, and solely cared about being the first one to summit all 7.
December 26, 2015
I enjoyed this book because it made the accomplishments of the two climbers seem accessible (at least physically) to anyone who had the desire. I struggled, however, with the ghost writing aspect. Rick Ridgeway wrote about the emotions and minutiae of every climb with the same level of detail, regardless of whether he was actually present. I suspect there was more creative license taken than I'm comfortable with. It took a lot of ego and money to do what Dick Bass and Jim Wells did, but it also took a lot of hard work.
December 14, 2015
I bought this in the early 1990s before I really knew what I was getting into. It is the story of two wealthy businessmen and their journeys around the world to reach the summits of all seven earthly continents. It arguably kicked off the modern trend of adventure tourism, where these kinds of adventures came within reach of rich neophytes.
With that said, the fact that Dick Bass became the oldest person to summit Mt. Everest to that date is worth noting.
The book is an interesting, anecdotal account, but I admit to having some misgivings about it. I could recommend it to the kind of audience who might have watched ABC's old Wide World of Sports or American Sportsman. Remember those shows? That pretty much captures the spirit of this book.
I'm giving it two stars, partly based on the Goodreads scale (i.e. 'it was ok') and mainly because it's a somewhat thin and rushed book for such a grand undertaking.
With that said, the fact that Dick Bass became the oldest person to summit Mt. Everest to that date is worth noting.
The book is an interesting, anecdotal account, but I admit to having some misgivings about it. I could recommend it to the kind of audience who might have watched ABC's old Wide World of Sports or American Sportsman. Remember those shows? That pretty much captures the spirit of this book.
I'm giving it two stars, partly based on the Goodreads scale (i.e. 'it was ok') and mainly because it's a somewhat thin and rushed book for such a grand undertaking.
August 26, 2011
I might like these guys in real life. But in the book they come off as insolent jerks. The book captures the determination needed to perform feats like this but there are plenty of people who have the same level of determination and are actually, you know, mountaineers who know what they're doing and don't have gobs of money to pay people to get them up to the summits or solve their problems.
August 22, 2020
I have a strange addiction to mountaineering books even though I am at best, a backpacker. I stumbled into the stories of Krakaur and that era and then I found Jim whittakers book and I started to see how a lot of the people are connected and it peaked my interest. The story of Marty Hoey is especially spell binding and connects people like Jim whittaker and Dick Bass who is in the book.
So this book focuses on two rich guys who want to climb the 7 summits. I am over simplifying it but it really is just that. The adventure these guys get into and the writing primarly by Ridgeway is super fun. The pace of the book ramps up more and more and by the end I was wanting more.
You could argue the book is mainly about Bass and that is fine and between him and wells I like Bass more anyways. I really really wish I could see the footage from Breashears but alas I cannot find anything..sad face
So this book focuses on two rich guys who want to climb the 7 summits. I am over simplifying it but it really is just that. The adventure these guys get into and the writing primarly by Ridgeway is super fun. The pace of the book ramps up more and more and by the end I was wanting more.
You could argue the book is mainly about Bass and that is fine and between him and wells I like Bass more anyways. I really really wish I could see the footage from Breashears but alas I cannot find anything..sad face
February 15, 2022
I got halfway through Seven Summits before choosing to bail.
I felt no connection with the 2 men who are the subjects of the story. I wasn't impressed by them, I wasn't fond of them, I wasn't rooting for them... I wasn't anything.* Leaving their story at the midway point caused me no compunction whatsoever.
So, two stars---Seven Summits is okay. If climbing mountains/mountain climbers are subjects that interest you, I recommend reading Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, or Touching the Void by Joe Simpson, 2 far superior reads.
*If anything, I didn't particularly like them---they came across to me as selfish and entitled and wholly unqualified for the adventure they pursued.
I felt no connection with the 2 men who are the subjects of the story. I wasn't impressed by them, I wasn't fond of them, I wasn't rooting for them... I wasn't anything.* Leaving their story at the midway point caused me no compunction whatsoever.
So, two stars---Seven Summits is okay. If climbing mountains/mountain climbers are subjects that interest you, I recommend reading Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, or Touching the Void by Joe Simpson, 2 far superior reads.
*If anything, I didn't particularly like them---they came across to me as selfish and entitled and wholly unqualified for the adventure they pursued.
December 22, 2019
After reading this and Annapurna, I'm convinced that whatever drives people to risk all for the glory of mountaineering also causes them to be complete meatheads, but in an absolutely entertaining manner. And in all fairness one day I aspire myself to be counted among this great charcuterie of meatheads.
While some of this meatheadness should be deliciously appreciated from a healthy armchair mountaineer distance -- Maurice Herzog losing his gloves and afterwards his frostbitten fingers in the excitement of the first 8000m ascent in Annapurna -- some needs to be examined with a more critical perspective.
As Seven Summits is a work of its time, being published over thirty years ago before our true knowledge of the existential threat of climate change came to the forefront, I think it's fair to somewhat withhold judgement and let the non-ironic comment of Dick Bass's joy in escaping into the mountains to get away from the "pesky environmentalists" complaining about his oil business fall under the "we know better now, this was WRONG category." What is harder to reconcile is the claim of Jon Krakauer that he ushered in the "post-modern" era of Everest climbing -- that is being able to pony up the big bucks is more likely to give you a ticket to the top of a mountain than a lifetime of dedicated practice of mountaineering.
Nevertheless, as a book, this story is nothing less than an unabashed, page-turning epic of two past their prime men following their dreams with nothing but true grit. (Whoops, wrong Western reference as Clint Eastwood was the friend of Frank Wells.) The tribute paid to the fallen Marty Hoey had me fighting tears. You gotta love Bass and Wells in this, while never letting your guard down. Absolutely entertaining.
While some of this meatheadness should be deliciously appreciated from a healthy armchair mountaineer distance -- Maurice Herzog losing his gloves and afterwards his frostbitten fingers in the excitement of the first 8000m ascent in Annapurna -- some needs to be examined with a more critical perspective.
As Seven Summits is a work of its time, being published over thirty years ago before our true knowledge of the existential threat of climate change came to the forefront, I think it's fair to somewhat withhold judgement and let the non-ironic comment of Dick Bass's joy in escaping into the mountains to get away from the "pesky environmentalists" complaining about his oil business fall under the "we know better now, this was WRONG category." What is harder to reconcile is the claim of Jon Krakauer that he ushered in the "post-modern" era of Everest climbing -- that is being able to pony up the big bucks is more likely to give you a ticket to the top of a mountain than a lifetime of dedicated practice of mountaineering.
Nevertheless, as a book, this story is nothing less than an unabashed, page-turning epic of two past their prime men following their dreams with nothing but true grit. (Whoops, wrong Western reference as Clint Eastwood was the friend of Frank Wells.) The tribute paid to the fallen Marty Hoey had me fighting tears. You gotta love Bass and Wells in this, while never letting your guard down. Absolutely entertaining.
June 1, 2020
A thrilling book of adventure filled with stories of determination, humor, the importance of pursuing what is meaningful to you, and the triumph of the human spirit.
May 11, 2015
Two wealthy men concoct a plan to achieve something never done before – to scale the highest peak on each of the seven continents. These two middle-aged men are not experienced climbers. Undaunted, they leave their families and careers behind and embark on a quest to accomplish the unthinkable. But McKinley, Kilimanjaro and Everest don’t give up their summits easily and even surviving the journey might be in question before the end.
It is obvious right from the start that Dick Bass and Frank Wells were far out of their element when they decided – almost on a whim – to attempt to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. However, Bass (a wealthy entrepreneur) and Wells (head of a major motion picture studio) will not be denied. Seven Summits is really a testament to how with enough money, you can buy a record and stroke two men’s egos at the same time. That may sound unfairly harsh, but if you read Seven Summits and you are familiar with high-altitude climbing, you quickly realize just how many people’s lives were put in danger by these two men and their frightening level of inexperience.
In addition, the writing in Seven Summits leaves a lot to be desired. The whole text is ‘we did this, then I did that, then this happened…’ We never really get a lot at the men themselves and if they actually were changed by the pursuit. Either they weren’t and these were just checks on a list or they were and the writing completely missed all of it. From the reader’s point of view, it does matter – the story doesn’t have a soul.
Seven Summits is really a “look at me” book where the extraordinary journey fails to elicit any emotional response. It isn’t all bad. The book is peppered with interesting pieces of information and observations of high-altitude climbing. There are even a few funny moments. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more than an encyclopedia description of their efforts to hold the book together. There are many far better mountaineering stories to be found on the shelves. Seven Summits left me disappointed.
It is obvious right from the start that Dick Bass and Frank Wells were far out of their element when they decided – almost on a whim – to attempt to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. However, Bass (a wealthy entrepreneur) and Wells (head of a major motion picture studio) will not be denied. Seven Summits is really a testament to how with enough money, you can buy a record and stroke two men’s egos at the same time. That may sound unfairly harsh, but if you read Seven Summits and you are familiar with high-altitude climbing, you quickly realize just how many people’s lives were put in danger by these two men and their frightening level of inexperience.
In addition, the writing in Seven Summits leaves a lot to be desired. The whole text is ‘we did this, then I did that, then this happened…’ We never really get a lot at the men themselves and if they actually were changed by the pursuit. Either they weren’t and these were just checks on a list or they were and the writing completely missed all of it. From the reader’s point of view, it does matter – the story doesn’t have a soul.
Seven Summits is really a “look at me” book where the extraordinary journey fails to elicit any emotional response. It isn’t all bad. The book is peppered with interesting pieces of information and observations of high-altitude climbing. There are even a few funny moments. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more than an encyclopedia description of their efforts to hold the book together. There are many far better mountaineering stories to be found on the shelves. Seven Summits left me disappointed.
July 11, 2016
I spontaneously took this from a free bookshelf in Amsterdam. What a surprise: It was a fantastic read! I love books about mountain climbers, and this one was especially well written. Of course it is so appealing because it is about two men who up until then (the book is from the 80s) had absolutely nothing to do with climbing, but then they decide to climb the Seven Summits (the highest peak on every continent) and be the first men to do that.
They were not entirely like you and me, however: Frank Wells was a Warner film studio boss and Dick Bass an entrepreneur who owned a whole skiing resort in Utah. So they had money. And they set out to fulfil their dream against all odds ... they climbed and failed, they climbed again, they even flew to Antarctica. You can read on wikipedia whether they succeeded in their quest or not ...
I was sad when I learned that both men are dead now. But that's just the way ist is. This book is their legacy ... unearthed by me so many years later!
They were not entirely like you and me, however: Frank Wells was a Warner film studio boss and Dick Bass an entrepreneur who owned a whole skiing resort in Utah. So they had money. And they set out to fulfil their dream against all odds ... they climbed and failed, they climbed again, they even flew to Antarctica. You can read on wikipedia whether they succeeded in their quest or not ...
I was sad when I learned that both men are dead now. But that's just the way ist is. This book is their legacy ... unearthed by me so many years later!
February 29, 2012
An adventure novel detailing the true story of two millionaire businessmen racing to be the first to scale the seven summits. This is an easy read and the climbing accounts are engaging, particularly the Vinson ascent and the final Everest expedition. But it's had to overlook the fact these two men had no prior climbing resume and were simply wealthy enough to be hauled up these remote peaks by the world's best alpinists.
July 9, 2008
Not as well written as some books-but an amazing account of Dick Bass's journey to the Seven Summits-highest summit of each continent. Very inspiring.
August 14, 2008
Slow & steady (& tons of $) will get you to the top
October 30, 2023
I must admit, I approached this book with extreme prejudice. I had read some reviews and listened to the opinions of my friends who had read the book and made a mental note to pass on this one. Then, as a present, I was given the book. As I make a point to read any book given to me as a gift (I may rethink this policy), I threw all caution to the wind and began reading. Right away I was gritting my teeth. The two protagonists, Dick Bass and Frank Wells, I found to be insufferable and left me thanking my lucky stars that I never was stuck with either of them in a tent.
Both men were used to getting their way in the business world (although Frank Wells couldn't operate a microwave or buy his own clothes), pushing people about, and letting money do the talking. When the idea occurred to them to climb the highest peak on each of the continents, they naturally thought that their characters and a little physical conditioning would meet with success. Amazingly, they were successful - thanks to skilled climbers who risked their own lives to allow these two men to try to fulfill their seven summits dream.
Rick Ridgeway, the hired pen for this book, treats his benefactors, Bass and Wells, as if they were modern day heroes: men who constantly fought against adversity and always persevered; as well as men who tackled the continents' highest peaks by spending an obscene amount of money making sure that they had a good chance of reaching the summits. The tone of his prose is almost hagiographic when he describes the mental anguish the two men underwent as they balanced their multi-million dollar careers with the cost and time involved in climbing each of the peaks; and unintentionally comic as in the descriptions of the camaraderie between Bass, Wells, and their new found climbing buddies as Bass recites Robert Service's poem, "The Men Who Don't Fit In" (incongruous since Bass and Wells are the consummate insiders).
I must admit, I did gain some begrudging respect for Dick Bass. After all, in his fifties, he did climb each of the seven summits. However, one must consider if the success of this enterprise didn't in a way contribute to the overcrowding of the 8,000 meter peaks and to disasters such as the one described in "Into Thin Air" as well as all the recent disasters. And of course there are the mountains and they save the book from being a total bust. I wish that Ridgeway would have given them center stage rather than as trophies for Bass and Wells but, then again, mountains don't deal in money.
Both men were used to getting their way in the business world (although Frank Wells couldn't operate a microwave or buy his own clothes), pushing people about, and letting money do the talking. When the idea occurred to them to climb the highest peak on each of the continents, they naturally thought that their characters and a little physical conditioning would meet with success. Amazingly, they were successful - thanks to skilled climbers who risked their own lives to allow these two men to try to fulfill their seven summits dream.
Rick Ridgeway, the hired pen for this book, treats his benefactors, Bass and Wells, as if they were modern day heroes: men who constantly fought against adversity and always persevered; as well as men who tackled the continents' highest peaks by spending an obscene amount of money making sure that they had a good chance of reaching the summits. The tone of his prose is almost hagiographic when he describes the mental anguish the two men underwent as they balanced their multi-million dollar careers with the cost and time involved in climbing each of the peaks; and unintentionally comic as in the descriptions of the camaraderie between Bass, Wells, and their new found climbing buddies as Bass recites Robert Service's poem, "The Men Who Don't Fit In" (incongruous since Bass and Wells are the consummate insiders).
I must admit, I did gain some begrudging respect for Dick Bass. After all, in his fifties, he did climb each of the seven summits. However, one must consider if the success of this enterprise didn't in a way contribute to the overcrowding of the 8,000 meter peaks and to disasters such as the one described in "Into Thin Air" as well as all the recent disasters. And of course there are the mountains and they save the book from being a total bust. I wish that Ridgeway would have given them center stage rather than as trophies for Bass and Wells but, then again, mountains don't deal in money.
March 8, 2019
I chose to read this particular book because of personal connections with one of the main characters. Frank Wells is, through a lot of marriages, a friend of mine and a person who has always been spoken about with only the highest of regards. I wanted to learn more about him and his life through his book but ended up being equally, if not more impressed, with his friend Dick. I had thought that Frank was actually the first person to climb all seven summits but to my surprise, Dick turned out to be the true record setter. From reading, and from relatives who have had the chance to meet him, Dick was the kind of person who enjoyed criticism and "doubters" because they pushed him to be the best at everything he did. He also had an extremely strong sense of self motivation. Enough so to encourage him to pursue an impossible goal. In addition, I think Dick was the kind of person that rarely had that "I can't do this thought" everything was a challenge to him. Not challenge as in something difficult, but challenge as in a new adventure to go on, one that wasn't easy. His greatest feat, climbing the seven summits, serves as a reminder that to be successful, you cannot make excuses. He had every excuse in the world not to set out to accomplish what he had done: a thriving business, a loving family, and a very economically comfortable lifestyle. Yet, he still wasn't satisfied. He wanted to be the first man on all of the seven summits, and despite his old age and lack of conditioning, he did just that.
May 3, 2020
In this thorough and at time comical memoir, Rick Ridgeway retraces the steps of entrepreneur Dick Bass as the mogul attempts to become the first person to climb the “seven summits” (the high point of each continent.)
While Dick Bass was uniquely suited to this undertaking by his uncommon wealth and connections, which allowed him to overcome gigantic logistical challenges, and his grit as a mountaineer, he may have done more harm than good.
How many rich newbies have tried to imitate his quest only to perish on the slopes of Everest?
Still, a well-written book and a worthy read about a trend that still dominates the hardcore peak baggers’ lists.
While Dick Bass was uniquely suited to this undertaking by his uncommon wealth and connections, which allowed him to overcome gigantic logistical challenges, and his grit as a mountaineer, he may have done more harm than good.
How many rich newbies have tried to imitate his quest only to perish on the slopes of Everest?
Still, a well-written book and a worthy read about a trend that still dominates the hardcore peak baggers’ lists.
January 14, 2023
I’m surprised this book was as much of a page turner as it was. It was clear from page 1 this book was about two rich white guys having a midlife crisis with more money than they can spend. Their midlife crises culminated in their joint pursuit to climb the highest summits on each continent. The author’s ability to turn their adventures into a compelling story is impressive. And I did also appreciate the detailed descriptions of the actual mountains since it’s unlikely I’d ever witness it myself.
That being said, Dick and Frank are very unlikeable and the moral of the story is that money can buy you literally anything.
That being said, Dick and Frank are very unlikeable and the moral of the story is that money can buy you literally anything.
January 21, 2024
I’m trying to push through this read, and, while I love adventure stories and especially ones about mountaineering, the incredibly ridiculous ego of Dick Bass and the bad writing are preventing me from finishing. It comes off as though the purpose of each page is to explain how amazing Dick Bass is, which is sickening. He comes off as a jerk. Conversations in the book were annoying, and his ego was shining through in each chat with the people he met. So far, it’s a terrible book, and I just don’t think I can get through it even though every time I see the beautiful cover I think, it has to be good with a cover like that! Nah.
March 26, 2021
A magnificent tribute to the energy and persistence of men in their fifties! Of course, it helps to have all the time and money one needs to go to all the seven continents, etc.
I read this the first time when I was in my thirties, and felt lifted up: that men with careers and not professional mountain climbers could tackle such peaks was amazing to me.
Mountaineering the Seven Summits has since then become a tourist trade, and created its own bad press and disasters. But Bass & Wells' portrayal in 1986 is heartwarming.
I read this the first time when I was in my thirties, and felt lifted up: that men with careers and not professional mountain climbers could tackle such peaks was amazing to me.
Mountaineering the Seven Summits has since then become a tourist trade, and created its own bad press and disasters. But Bass & Wells' portrayal in 1986 is heartwarming.
March 9, 2022
I gave this book four stars because I really enjoyed the accounts of the Everest expeditions and especially the Vinson expedition in Antarctica. I'm not sure, however, that the message is so much one of perseverance, as others have said. I would say the main lesson is that people with enough disposable income and the ability to take months out of their lives to climb mountains can bag some impressive peaks.
February 24, 2023
A good read that just sadly couldn't keep my interest enough to read it at a quicker pace. It's not that it was so profound that I hindered by pondering some idea or scene from its pages. It was simply was if I was sitting listening to an uncle or uncles spin yarn about the good old days. Perhaps it is simply the fact that you simply couldn't escape the fact that the end was already known....yet, I still recommend it.
March 25, 2024
Talk about a huge dream! Reading about the highest peak in all seven continents was incredibly fascinating. Each climb brought a new challenge to overcome such as weather, location, height, and more. Plus, Dick Bass and Frank Wells were enjoyable! They might have been well off in terms of money, giving them a big advantage in this sport, but these two still put into immense time and effort to pull off this great adventure. You can't help but admire them throughout the entire book.
May 24, 2018
A book for anyone that wants to push out of their comfort zone but doesn't feel like they have the right stuff. Frank Wells and Dick Bass will give you the incentive to go for it. These two men demonstrate that with hard work and perseverance you can do what others might think is impossible - even if that goal is to climb the highest mountains on seven continents.
October 10, 2020
An adventure to read about the first man to climb the seven tallest summits on each continent. Good for the almost outside perspective, Dick and Frank did not climb much. The Everest climb with the police and the Norwegians could be made into a book of it's own. However sometimes, their rage seemed based more on them getting what they wanted.
Good read overall.
Good read overall.
October 16, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this book at first. It was important to me to read this, given it's a classic . About a third of the way in, I got into the groove. Reading about the two men ultimately was inspirational -- especially Dick Bass's final summit. One needs to read it just for how the last third of the book goes.
January 22, 2021
Probably my favorite book about mountaineering. Not because they were cutting edge climbers or faced extreme adversity. But because of the sense of cameraderie and adventurousness that develop is two out of shape middle aged men try something way too tough for them and their friendship develops through all they go through together.
August 11, 2022
While it took some amount of grit and determination to reach the summits in 7 Summits, I did not get the impression either of the men really respected the mountains OR the climbing community OR the rules that go along with climbing. They literally bought their way to the summits while never really learning or respecting the sport, the other climbers or the mountains themselves.
July 9, 2025
“Do you have $200,000?” Frank asked.
“No.”
“Well, that’s what it takes.”
Albeit mostly well written and including it’s fair share of high altitude adventure, the problem with this book is it’s central premise: that two old, rich, white dudes with zero experience (or sense), can accomplish something great simply because they have the means to do it.
“No.”
“Well, that’s what it takes.”
Albeit mostly well written and including it’s fair share of high altitude adventure, the problem with this book is it’s central premise: that two old, rich, white dudes with zero experience (or sense), can accomplish something great simply because they have the means to do it.
February 20, 2026
The story of the first person to climb the seven highest mountains on each continent, this book is the perfect introduction to adventure and climbing literature. A fun read, compelling and well-written, "Seven Summits" will make you want to go climb Everest yourself! Or, if you're not that crazy, then maybe Mount Kosciuszko :).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews