On Top of The World: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Mountains - Brossura

Sale, Richard

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0007103743 ISBN 13: 9780007103744

Casa editrice: Collins, 2001

Riassunto

The year 2000 marks the 50th anniversary of the ascent of Annapurna, the first 8,000m peak to be climbed. Between 1950 and 1960, all except one of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000m were climbed: this was the Golden Age of high altitude climbing. The single exception was Shisha Pangma which was not climbed until 1964.

The height, 8,000m is entirely arbitrary. Very roughly it corresponds to the start of the ‘death zone’, the height above which a human being, kept warm and well fed, would die in a time varying from a few hours to a few days simply because the limited oxygen in the air means that the body cannot function properly and gradually closes down. For this reason, many of the 8,000m peaks, particularly the highest ones, were first climbed with supplementary oxygen. Today all except Everest are routinely climbed without, their ascent therefore making them a hazard for the climbers.

This book brings together the stories behind the conquest of every peak, plus the description of how they have been conquered since then. It is also a description of modern man’s conquest of previously unscaled peaks, using advances in technology. As a description of heroic activity it has no equal.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

‘An essential addition to any collection of climbing books.’ Alan Hinkes, Climber

‘... indispensible for anyone interested in high Himalyan facts ... Beautifully presented with all major ascent routes illustrated, this supersedes Reinhold Messner’s All 14 Eight-thousanders.’ High

L'autore:

Richard Sale is a full time writer and photographer, who has written numerous books on outdoor/leisure themes.

A freelance photographer for 40 years, John Cleare has made no less than 20 expeditions to the mountains of Nepal, India, Pakistan and China. Highlights include membership of the 1971 International Everest Expedition and leadership of the successful 1982 American Muztagh Ata ski ascent.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Collins
• Data di pubblicazione: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0007103743
• ISBN 13: 9780007103744
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 228