Climbing Everest

December 1, 2012

"Dark clouds part and there like a grey-white colossus is the peak of Mount Everest." After hearing Mallory's writings, listeners will feel they know every slope, stream, glacier, and cliff on the way to the top of the world's largest mountain. Mallory provides a meticulous account of his ordeals during several attempts to complete the arduous journey, offering details that extend to much more than the landscape. Included are observations on the equipment used and analysis of the variety of challenges faced by climbers of Everest. Tim Pigott-Smith's narration conveys a grand sense of adventure. Like Mallory, we feel breathless trekking through the thin air of Everest's slopes. Listeners beware, though: Mallory (1886-1924) penned these words in the 1920s, and cultural sensitivity is not on the menu. VERDICT This nature adventure, which includes an interview with Mallory biographer Peter Gillman, is suitable for public and academic libraries, where patrons will appreciate the work's historical value. Those interested in exploration and/or mountain climbing, as well as armchair travelers, will be riveted.--Denis Frias, Mississauga Lib. Syst., Ont.

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