To the Top: The Story of Mount Everest

by Stephen Venables

Breathtaking photos and an intriguing narrative capture the allure of the world’s highest mountain - and the spirit of the many adventurous souls who have dared to attempt the ultimate climb.


What compels human beings to risk their lives scaling the world’s tallest peak? What challenges do they encounter along the way? Who are the Sherpas, whose guidance and skill keep foreign mountaineers safe? What does it feel like to stand atop Mount Everest, high above Tibet and Nepal?

Esteemed author and climber Stephen Venables answers these questions and many more in a fascinating narrative, accompanied by spectacular photographs from the Royal Geographical Society in London. With a special focus on the first successful climb by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, this magnificent book touches also on the history of the mountain, earlier failed missions, and the effect that growing Himalayan tourism has had on local people and on the mysterious Mount Everest itself.

Genres: Adventure, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't want to read the full books about all the early ascents of Everest, then this might suit you better. This gives brief overviews of the first few British attempts on Everest and the successful climb of Tenzing and Hillary, then a brief bit about the author's own climb and a few other Everest highlights. Don't expect in depth coverage or a ton of expedition photographs. This is a basic book that you can read in an hour or two.

[Surendra Dighe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading.

[Marta-Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of man’s awe-inspiring attempts to conquer the Earth’s highest peak is vividly told in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first successful climb to the summit of Mount Everest. Complete with breath-taking photographs from the Royal Geographic Society, detailed maps of Everest’s most famous routes, and absorbing text, the reader is carried away to this rugged place of wonder. Venables emphasizes the great feats of some of Everest’s most revered climbers as well as the geologic, political, and cultural characteristics of the Nepal/Tibet region. In addition to heroic achievement, the author does not hide the tragic deaths and gruesome sufferings that many brave enough to climb the mountain have endured. The author concludes the book with an account of his own daring expedition to the highest point on Earth. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

[(NS) Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade/Interest Level: 4-8

What compels human beings to risk their lives scaling the world’s tallest peak? What challenges do they encounter along the way? Who are the Sherpas, whose guidance and skill keep foreign mountaineers safe? What does it feel like to stand atop Mount Everest, high above Tibet and Nepal? With a special focus on the first successful climb by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, this book touches also on the history of the mountain, earlier failed missions, and the effect that growing Himalayan tourism has had on local people and on the mysterious Mount Everest itself.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

To the top chronicles the hardships and adventures of those who sought after a path to the top of the highest mountain on earth from the initial climb to the summit to ascending without oxygen on alternate routes. This book is text heavy, but the photos are fabulous. There was one map of the mountain in the back. I would have loved to see other maps of Everest, but was grateful there was at least one. The author, Stephen Venables also climbed Everest and tells his story ascending Everest pioneering his own route without oxygen.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read, would be best for 8-12 years old

[Aldi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures were great, the writing a lot less so. Given the author's tendency to over-explain in rather simple terms, I think this is better suited as a quick read for kids.