Everest: Summit of Achievement

by The Royal Geographic Society

Summit Of Achievement On 29 May 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay stood atop the highest mountain in the world, where no one had ever stood before. This magnificent volume celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of their historic climb and chronicles the history of Everest exploration from the early years of the twentieth century to the present. It is the first and only book on the subject to benefit from complete access to the Royal Geographical Society's astonishingly rich collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts. Painstakingly selected from over 20,000 subjects, more than 400 photographs -- many never before published -- record the surveying, planning, reconnaissance expeditions, and ascents that the Royal Geographical Society and the Alpine Club jointly launched -- beginning in 1921 and culminating in Hillary and Norgay's landmark feat. Among the memorable photographs reproduced here are the first aerial views of Mount Everest; the last known photograph of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, who perished soon afterward on the slopes of Everest; Hillary's iconic photograph of Tenzing Norgay standing triumphant on Everest's summit; images showing the daily experience of expedition members along with the dangers they faced; portraits of the life and customs of Sherpas and the other Tibetan peoples; and the spectacular beauty of the Everest massif itself. These unique and breathtaking images are prefaced by Sir Edmund Hillary and HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, and are accompanied by chapters written by renowned mountaineer Stephen Venables; the well-known journalist and mountain climber Ed Douglas; Judy and Tashi Tenzing, grandson of Norgay; and noted historian John Keay. The result is a work of lasting significance that captures as never before the sense of discovery, excitement, achievement, and exhilaration experienced over the years by those who are brave and determined enough to challenge the world's greatest mountain.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Mountaineering, Adventure

252 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2003

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful (if totally unnecessary) addition to my mountaineering library, this coffee table book originally cost $50, but was available "like new" at McKay's for just $2 - how could I refuse? Will eventually actually read it, but the pictures alone are at least a $20 value :)

[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about not only Everest but the people who climbed it and tried t, or attained, reaching its summit. I loved reading about Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, George Mallory, and Andrew Irvine especially, although other mountaineers and even surveyors were talked about in the book. I loved also the photos that went along with the text in the book. Most were black and white, some were hand tinted, and some were in color. This book is worth the read, one of the amazing books the Royal Geographical Society puts out every so often, especially on anniversaries of famous feats of strength and courage.

[Khim Lal · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informatic book for all geographer and climbers

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everest: Summit of Achievement by the Royal Geographic Society (Simon & Shuster 2003)(796.522). This is a great big coffee table sized book that commemorates and celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the first summiting of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and the British team. It’s filled with breathtaking photographs and stories. My rating: 8/10, finished 2005.

[Lindsay Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic history of mankind's attempts to conquer the world's highest peak. Great information on the earliest attempts. Spectacular photography.

[Andrew Edis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers the 20th Century history of Mount Everest exploration. Great photos of expeditions, excellent commentary. A book to dip into.