1999. 239 pp. Many people consider this one of the greatest of all climbing stories. Benuzzi, an Italian prisoner during WWII, escaped from a POW camp to climb Mt. Kenya! In 1943, Felice Benuzzi and two Italian compatriots escaped from a British POW camp in equatorial East Africa with only one goal in mind - to climb the dangerous seventeen-thousand-foot Mount Kenya. Leaving a written 'parole' declaring they would return in two weeks, Benuzzi and two companions nearly scaled Mount Kenya on stolen rations, and improvised climbing equipment. Once done, they broke back into their camp to surrender! An extraordinary tale of war and mountaineering. Paperback, Fine or New.
In 1943, Felice Benuzzi and two Italian compatriots escaped from a British POW camp in equatorial East Africa with only one goal in mind-to climb the dangerous seventeen-thousand-foot Mount Kenya. No Picnic on Mount Kenya is the classic tale of this most bizarre and thrilling adventure, a story that has earned its place as a unique masterpiece of daring suspense. New paperback.
'A tale worth reading . . . Mr. Benuzzi's paradoxical mixture of pride and self-mocking humility is attractive; his courage is amazing; his story dramatic.'- The New York Times'The history of mountaineering can hardly present a parallel to this mad but thrilling escapade.'-Saturday Review'A wonderful story of crazy courage that warms the heart!' - Library Journal'For some of us this may be the book of its kind . . . For this was an adventure more poetic than practical, and that was its special quality . . . If Signor Benuzzi never climbs another mountain, this one was something to remember, and so is his good and vivid book.' -The New York Herald Tribune Book Review'It was a mad venture but a gallant tribute to man's deep yearning for freedom . . . Appealing.' - Kirkus Reviews'Several qualities lift this book to the top class of adventure stories. There is the sense of style about the whole enterprise; to yield its maximum satisfaction, the escapade had to observe a strict code . . . More important, there is the spirit in which the whole adventure was undertaken.' - Times Literary Supplement
