To the Top of the World: Alpine Challenges in the Himalaya and Karakoram

by Reinhold Messner, Jill Neate (Translator)

As one of the greatest mountaineers of all time, Reinhold Messner is renowned for his quest for ever-fresh challenges in which he seeks to test his abilities and strengths to their limits. This book-the first US edition-is drawn from a selection of Messner's most powerful writing. It includes gripping accounts of his epic solo ascent of Everest without supplemental oxygen; his tragic expedition on Manaslu's South Face; and his experiences on Gasherbrum, Nanga Parbat, and K2. Fully illustrated with color photographs and illustrations, this volume represents a distillation of both the achievements and the personal philosophy of a pioneer in the modern era of mountaineering. Illustrated with color photographs, plus paintings by French artist Jean-Georges Inca.

Genres: Mountaineering, Adventure, Travel, Climbing

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Reinhold Messner (born September 17, 1944) is an Italian mountaineer and explorer from South Tyrol, often cited as the greatest mountain climber of all time. He is renowned for making the first solo ascents of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen and for being the first climber to ascend all fourteen "eight-thousanders" (peaks over 8,000 metres above sea level). He is the author of at least 63 books (in German, 1970–2006), many of which have been translated into other languages.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a collection of essays. Reinhold Messner's greatest hits and various ponderings. Lots of excellent description and imagery. Makes you wonder what it would be like to go up there and leave a part of yourself on a mountain.

[Patricia Comeford · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no question that Reinhold Messner's mountaineering achievements are impressive. His descriptions of his experiences let you feel like you are experiencing these high altitude climbs along with him. The photographs are absolutely beautiful, and the paintings by Jean-Georges Inca are quite amazing!

[Christopher Frewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply unbelievable... this book has set off an irreversible urge to hike an 8000m mountain

[Jonas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Großartiger Bergsteiger, anstrengender Erzähler. Teilweise ein Krampf zu lesen. Bilder sind aber top! Daher 2/5 Sternen.

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend!