Himalayan Quest: Ed Viesturs on the 8,000-Meter Giants

by Ed Viesturs, David Breashears (Introduction), Peter Potterfield

Now updated to include the triumphant culmination of a monumental quest—to stand on the summits of all fourteen of the world’s highest mountains— Himalayan Quest offers an unforgettable glimpse into the remarkable world of Ed Viesturs, America’s best-known high altitude climber, and the breathtaking landscape in which he works. It is an unparalleled showcase of both the heartbreaking tragedy and the ineffable joy Viesturs has experienced while striving at the limits of human endurance.

At the center of this extraordinary account of his mountaineering adventures are Viesturs’s own awe-inspiring photographs from the top of the world. This collection of images will show readers the deadly beauty and haunting menace of the Himalaya. A unique, inspiring, and spine-tingling glimpse into the rarified world of the extreme climber, Himalayan Quest will appeal not only to Viesturs’s significant fan base (fondly known as Edophiles or Edheads), but also to outdoor aficionados and armchair adventurers everywhere.

Genres: Mountaineering, Climbing, Nonfiction, Adventure, Outdoors, Memoir, Autobiography

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Ed Viesturs is America's leading high altitude mountaineer, having climbed many of the world's most challenging summits, including ascending Mount Everest seven times. He recently completed a 16-year quest to climb all 14 of the world's highest mountains (above 8,000 meters) without the use of supplemental oxygen. In doing so, he became the first American and the 5th person in the world to accomplish this. He reached the summit of his 14th peak, Annapurna, on May 12, 2005.

"When I first attempt a Himalayan peak," Viesturs explains, "I climb without bottled oxygen, even if it keeps me from reaching the summit. My personal goal is to see how I can perform, to experience the mountain as it is without reducing it to my level. For me, how I reach the top is more important than whether I do.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of photographs and stories by Ed Viesturs, the first American to climb the 14 tallest mountains in the world. At the time he wrote this book, he had "only" climbed 12 of them.

The photos are gorgeous. He has summit shots, tricky climbing shots, sunrise shots (one of my favorites is from Everest- while the moon is still high, the rising sun casts the mountain's shadow and it truly an amazing picture). I enjoyed the stories as well; Viesturs is a great story-teller and leaves the hyperbole behind. Of course, when one is climbing at 28,000' with a camera, hyperbole is not necessary.

Again, I will never climb a mountain, but I cannot get enough stories about those who do.

[Mazola1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Himalayan Quest is a basically picture book, but what a picture book it is. The book chronicles Viesturs' quest to climb all 14 of the world's 8000 meter mountains. The prose is spare, and is just what is necessary to explain the pictures and the climb. But the pictures are absolutely spectacular.

More than anything I've read about why people climb these mountains, a quest which seems crazy in light of the risk to life and limb, this book shows why people are willing to take those risks. For anyone interested in high altitude climbing, including the armchair aficionado, (which I count myself to be), this book is a must.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is essentially a picture book with short narratives of each expedition. I really enjoyed the accounts and photography, but there's a lot more I'd like to know about Ed's climbs and climbing philosophy. For that reason, I plan to read his more in depth book, "No Shortcuts To The Top" and would recommend that for anyone looking for a more thorough and thoughtful perspective on Viesturs's summiting of all fourteen 8,000m peaks.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for the pictures. No Shortcut to the Top by Viesturs is a better book on climbing but this book gives you visuals of the mountains. For me, the Annapurne pictures alone are worth it, given it is still the most dangerous 8,000m mountain. I can understand why Herzog's party wondered if there was any successful route up it.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a climbing book that has a genuinely humane perspective. Unlike many, the author cares more about people than mountains--though he loves mountains. He writes: "Just because you love the mountains, doesn't mean the mountains love you."

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Coffee Table Book on his quest.

[Santhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this just to look at the photographs. Got reeled in by the adventurous and dangerous journey of these brave climbers. I always like books that lead me to other titles. And this is one of them. I also read this at a time when I happen to be reading another book about the tragic spring disaster of 1996, victims were known to Viesturs. I suppose tis wlll set me on a quest to learn more about the intriguing Sagarmatha - Goddess of the Sky.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed it from the library and, before I was even done reading it, had ordered my own copy from amazon. What gorgeous photos and nice route maps of the climbs! This is a particularly wonderful companion to his "No Shortcuts to the Top", which is a very detailed book of the ascent of the 14 peaks written after he had achieved all of them.

[Dioscita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photography (which is primarily what this book consists of -- if you are looking for a more text-based book on Viesturs' career, look elsewhere). I'm no closer to understanding the psyche of high-altitude mountaineers, but this book was lovely eye candy.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

great pictures

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading "No Shortcuts to the Top" I had to own this copy of wonderful photography that illustrated the journey!

[Anton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Lots of great photos even though he doesn't claim to be a professional photographer.

[Thomas Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, beautiful photographs.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a beautiful coffee table book . text was interesting but I mainly looked at the pictures. I;ve read other books by Ed ..THEY were excellent.

[James Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

05 - quiet, unassuming review of his climbing of 12 of the 14 8,000 meter plus mountains. Unlike Messner there is no attitude, there is focus upon the joy and delight he takes in climbing.

It seems to come easily to him, but I think it is more his attitude, which is, if it is unsafe I can always do it another time. Many, numerous, times he has been close to a summit, determined that continuing was too risky and unsafe, and turned back . . . life is too important to lose it to a mountain.

I like him as a climber. Is very giving of himself to others, certainly not caught up in himself like Messner (whom he admires), will forego a climb to assist another.

Writes well.

[Lynne Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. A balanced view of climbs over 8000m and an interesting tale of his relationship with Annapurna. He puts the dangers of climbing into context without it taking over the narrative.
His style of writing makes reading his and his fellow climbers struggles easy.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's photographs though ...

[Saurabh Patki · Rating 5 out of 5]

a visually brilliant book of one guy's journey to climb world's highest summits..the collection of photos is jus awe inspiring and brings out the Majesty and grandeur associated with Himalayan mountains.. must read for anyone who likes mountains ,photography and a grt story