Eric Shipton (1907–1977)

A fascinating and well written read. This is mountaineering at a human scale. Shipman talks about the magnificent views and the interpersonal relationships. He discusses the practicalities of pre-war expeditions and emotions. He is discovering and thoroughly enjoying himself.

Short but intriguing account of an expedition designed to scout the routes for the conquest of Mt. Everest; in fact, the results of this expedition in 1951 led directly to the conquest some 18 months later. Indeed, Edmund Hillary was a member of this expedition before his fame in the conquest. Many interesting observations of life in Nepal ca. 1951. There's also a (too brief!) segment, with one photo, on a possible yeti footprint.

Again, 6 essential and somewhat hard to find books collected in one cover: Shipton is an icon, his writing is delightful, although it took quite some time for me to slay this beast. Recommend you take a break half way and read something else to break it up!

An essential piece of the Shipton library. A very gently written autobiography. No revelations here, he skims over or omits the ugly bits, and relishes the high points of his life.