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A legend in mountain-climbing lore, Viesturs has summited Everest six times and was present in 1996 when three guides and several clients died in the tragedy made famous in INTO THIN AIR. Here Viesturs details his childhood in (flat) Illinois, his veterinary studies in Washington state, and his quest to climb the world's 14 peaks of 8,000 meters or more, a feat he calls "Endeavor 8000." Stephen Hoye zeros in on the focused but unflappable Viesturs. His voice glides over Nepalese names, and he describes avalanches, whiteouts, and even fatal accidents without overdramatizing. The Everest debacle, however, is recounted with a faster pace and more emotion; the lost guides were his friends and colleagues. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


Projecting the same enthusiasm that he has for mountaineering, Ed Viesturs shares his tale of climbing the world's fourteen 8,000-plus meter peaks. From his inspiration for climbing to the completion of his feat, Viesturs recounts both the physical and emotional toll that professional mountain climbers face when challenged by these summits. Viesturs also explains why he is compelled to be a master of deadly terrain. In addition, he shares his insights about other famous mountaineers and writers he has met, such as Rob Hall and Jon Krakauer. Personalizing the adventure and spirit of mountaineering, Viesturs explicitly tells of both the dangers and thrills of summiting in this compelling account of his life's work. D.L.M. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine