Summit Fever

This is an account of the successful ascent of the Mustagh Tower in 1984 by previously little-known British climbers, and a description of the author's own feelings and experiences as a novice climber on a full-blown Himalayan expedition. The reader follows him through his preparations, the problems of adjustment, the last-minute negotiation of financial and bureaucratic obstacles, the joys and hazards of the approach route from Rawalpindi through Baltistan. The book depicts the stark and hostile beauty of the highest mountain range in the world, as well as the warm fellowship at Base Camp and above. Andrew Greig gives portraits of the members of the team, going some way towards answering the inevitable questions of why climbers climb. Andrew Greig is the author of "Men on Ice", "Kingdoms of Experience" and "The Return of John Macnab".

"For all armchair adventurers who have ever wondered what it would be like to climb in the Himalayas." Geographical

When poet Andrew Greig was asked by the near-legendary Scottish mountaineer Mal Duff to join his ascent of the Mustagh Tower in the Karakoram Himalayas, he had a poor head for heights and no climbing experience whatsoever. The result is this unique book. Already something of a classic in adventure literature, Summit Fever has been loved by climbers and literary critics alike for its refreshing candour, wit and insight, and the haunting beauty of its writing. Much more than a book about climbing, it celebrates the risk, joy and adventure of being alive.

Greig went on to write another climbing book, Kingdoms of Experience, and award-winning collections of poetry, as well as several novels, the most recent of which, In Another Light, won the 2004 Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year Award.

"Achingly talented. A rare find." On The Edge
"An excellent read, one of the best expedition books so far." Climber

Shortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Prize

Front cover photograph of author above Mustagh Tower Base Camp, at dusk. Lobsang Spire behind. (Photograph by A. Greig)
Photo of Andrew Greig by Mal Duff