London, 1976, 1st UK edition. 239 pp, 80 color ill. This was the first ascent of Everest by a Briton, after many expeditions dating back to Mallory's day. Success on SW Face of Everest by Dougal Haston and Doug Scott; Mick Burke died. DJ, Near Fine. SIGNED by Chris Bonington.
When Chris Bonington and his team set out to climb the South West face of Everest they were attempting the ultimate challenge of mountaineering - to conquer the steepest and highest face in the world. This text provides an account of their experiences during the climb.
When Chris Bonington and his team set out in August 1975 to climb the South West face of Everest they were attempting the ultimate challenge of mountaineering - to conquer the steepest and highest face in the world.Two months later, overcoming daunting physical conditions and massive psychological pressures, the lead climbers scaled 1000 sheer feet of the previously unconquered Rock Band to reach the summit - the hard way.
Drawing on first-hand accounts of his fellow climbers, Chris Bonington portrays the tensions, emotions and, on one occasion, bitter personal tragedy behind one of the most spectacular ascents in the history of climbing. A second chance; it's the South West face; picking the team; the approach march (2 August - 16 August); from Khumde to Base Camp (17 August - 25 August); the ice fall (22 August - 27 August); the Western Cwm (28 August - 1 September); avalanches and debate (2 September - 6 September); a new site for Camp 4 (7 September - 10 September); up the Great Central Gully (10 September - 15 September); Camp 5 (15 September - 19 September); through the Rock Band (20 September); poised for the top (21 September - 22 September); the summit (23 September - 25 September); success and tragedy (25 September - 26 September); clearing the mountain (27 September - 30 September).
