Everest

The best climbers in the world offer reflections on reaching the summit of Everest in this pocket-sized inspirational book

On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first ever to set foot on the highest point on earth: the summit of Everest. It was a magical moment. Since then many men and women have striven to reach the top of this awesome mountain, which can be at once beautiful and mystical, unpredictable and highly dangerous, never straightforward and always incredibly tough. In this remarkable book, mountaineers from around the world tell what motivated them to make their own summit bids. They highlight how it felt to reach the top and the impact it made on them, ranging from practical comments to spiritual reflections to philosophical statements on the future of our planet. Contributors include such climbers as: Chris Bonington, Alan Hinkes, Eric Simonson, Reinhold Messner, Jamling Tenzing Norgay, Bear Grylls, Greg Mortimer, Junko Tabei, Peter Hillary, Doug Scott and Stephen Venables.

Christine Gee is the former Royal Nepalese Honorary Consul General (Australia) and has been a major force in adventure travel, strategic planning, and marketing. Garry Weare has organized and led trips to the Himalaya for many years. He is the author of Lonely Planet's Trekking in the Indian Himalaya, and is a noted mountain photographer. They are cofounders of the Australian Himalayan Foundation. Margaret Gee has worked in publishing for 30 years as an agent and editor, and is an adventure traveler. Doug Scott is one of the world's leading high altitude and big wall climbers with 45 expeditions under his belt. He has reached the highest peaks on all seven continents.