EVEREST: THE MEF AUTHORISED 50TH ANNIVERSARY VOLUME: 50 years on top of the World - Hardcover

Band, George

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007147481 ISBN 13: 9780007147489

Publisher: Collins, 2003

Synopsis

Published in association with the Royal Geographic Society, Alpine Club and Everest Foundation, this is the official publication celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first ascent of Everest in 1953. A totally engrossing history, this book uses rare photography and excellent storytelling to bring you the dangers and triumphs of climbing Everest.

The book puts the first successful ascent into context – detailing the adventures and deaths on the north face pre World War II, and the planning after the war that was nearly curtailed by a Swiss expedition in 1952.

Written by a member of the original Hunt team – George Band (who went on to climb the lower but much harder peak Kangchenjunga and has been more closely associated with mountaineering than any other team member) – the book contains details, photographs and material donated by team members and the RGS, much of which has remained unpublished.

Written by a team member, illustrated by unpublished photos and material and fully supported by the Alpine Club and RGS – this is the only commemorative volume.

About this title

Review:

Band's vivid account of the ascent -- Al Alvarez, The Guardian 24 May, 2003

From the Back Cover:

It is now over 80 years since the first expedition went to the Himalayas to explore the approaches to Mount Everest. After a series of gallant failures, almost 50 years have elapsed since and expedition team, brilliantly led by John hunt, had the skill and good fortune for Ed Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to reach the summit at 11.30 am on 29 May 1953. Published in association with the Mount Everest Foundation, the Alpine Club and the Royal Geographical Society, this account has been written to celebrate the 50th Anniversary and to pay tribute to all those earlier expeditions, which by their hard won experience and repeated determination helped to pave the way.

'Everest' puts the first successful ascent into context, detailing the adventures and tragedies that occurred during the early expeditions, and providing a full account of the 1953 expedition and the many difficulties that faced the team before their final, triumphant summit push. It also offers a survey of climbing on Everest since 1953, covering new routes, new achievements, and inevitably, new tragedies.

About this edition

• Publisher: Collins
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0007147481
• ISBN 13: 9780007147489
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256