Seattle, The Mountaineers, 1999, 1st edition. 264 pp, b/w photos and illustrations. Hardcover with dust jacket. Fine.
A biography of Britain's best known and most successful Himalayan expedition climber, Chris Bonington. From his early hard Alpine routes to becoming Mr. Everest, Bonington has become a household name among climbers. The best-known mountaineer in Britain for almost 40 years, Sir Chris Bonington is still the public face of climbing. Foreword by Reinhold Messner.
Through his books, lectures, and TV films, he's become a great ambassador for promoting every ascent in the mountain world. At 65 years old, this self-described "climbaholic's" passion and enthusiasm remain undiminished. Despite his high profile, Bonington essentially remains a shy, complex man with many human failings. The man high up on the Eiger, Annapurna, and Everest is a leader frequently assailed by self-doubt and often devastated by the deaths of close friends.
High Achiever examines Bonington's deepest motives and reveals the joys and occasional despair of living a life at the limits of physical and mental experiences.
High Achiever tells the story of one of the most influential characters in British climbing, Chris Bonington. The author Jim Curran in no stranger to climbing and mountaineering and has escorted Chris Bonington on four Himalayan expeditions. Curran, in his easy-flowing but gripping style, reveals the mystery behind the life of Chris Bonington, through his pioneering approach to the Eiger, Annapurna and Mt. Everest.
The foreword by Reinhold Messner reveals 'He has never been out for records. His personality is not to be measured by comparison with others. It is the sum of knowledge, suffering, character. Bonington has stature. He has earned his title'. Curran reveals how Bonington's life has been far from simplistic - from a failing school pupil and a distracted army officer to a world leader in his field. The course of his life has had as many ups and downs as the mountains he lives to climb.
High Achiever gives us a rare insight into Bonington's physical and emotional world; his drive and passion, the realization of his own insecurities and self-doubts. It is a must for anybody who loves the outdoor life and Curran's portrayal of Bonington's unique character makes this an absorbing read.
