From the dust jacket of the UK edition: 'From conception to thrilling climax, each stage of the adventure is vividly described--economic and political difficulties to be overcome, topographical and meteorological surveys, careful study and choice of equipment, and selection and training of the climbing party. The author, a professor of geology in Italy, has led other climbing expeditions. A meticulous account of a climb by the expedition leader, who is part scientist, part general, part poet and part mountain climber.' One of the most important books on Karakoram mountaineering.