Harper Collins

October 2018

Imprint: Usborne

ISBN 9781474948142

RRP: $12.99

Here’s a great book for your readers of non-fiction, whether boy or girl. Eleven accounts of attempts to conquer Everest are related in simple but dramatic style with all the accompanying disappointments, tragedies and triumphs. From the early 20^th century following the successful explorations of the Poles, adventurers turned their energies towards mastering the world’s highest mountain. At that time mountaineering, particularly high altitude attempts, was not well resourced and there were many sceptics about new ideas such as the use of proper thermal clothing or bottled oxygen.

  George Mallory

Identities such as George Mallory, a young and promising mountaineer was lost on his third participation of an expedition. Last seen with his climbing partner about 245 metres short of the summit, Mallory and Irvine disappeared without a trace. It was not until seventy-five years later when a mission was mounted to discover the fate of the two that Mallory’s body was found and indisputably identified. What a thrilling, though tragic, story for young readers! The courage and tenacity of these early explorers paved the way for the successful summit attempt by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. It is possible that George Mallory actually made it first but no one will ever know.

Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay

The book concludes with some up-to-date information about the most recent of expeditions – climbing different faces, the first woman to make the ascent etc.

All in all, it’s a super book for just general recreational reading or for those interested in a snapshot of inspirational figures to begin some research.

Recommended for readers from around middle primary to lower secondary.