NH, 1994, 1st edition. 493 pp, 100+ photos. An autobiography of the renowned climber's 1938 and 1952 K2 expeditions, which nearly made the first ascent, plus the third ascent of Denali, Yukon, St Elias, Africa, Nepal. Hardcover, 1/2'x3' piece missing from front endpaper, else DJ, Fine. SIGNED by Bob Bates and Charles Houston. 

For nearly 70 years, Robert H. Bates has been recognized for his ability as a mountain climber and for his contributions to the sport of mountaineering. He pioneered climbs in Alaska and the Himalayas, and designed and tested cold weather clothing and equipment for the Army during World War II.

He made two serious attempts to climb K2, in 1938 and 1953, the second of which has become one of the most remarkable stories in the annals of mountaineering. He is co-author and editor of two books on his K2 climbs and in 1994, wrote his mountaineering and traveling autobiography, The Love of Mountains is Best. He is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard, and University of Philadelphia. He taught at Phillips Exeter Academy for many years. He and his wife Gail live in Exeter, New Hampshire.