Synopses & Reviews
The Most Comprehensive Book on Mountains and Mountaineering Ever Published
To the Summit is a compelling testament to the raw excitement and breathtaking accomplishments of mountaineering throughout history.
On these pages you'll find:
- Dramatic photographs or climbers, mountains and the cultures that live in the shadows of the world's most interesting peaks.
- Profiles of famous climbers that illustrate what draws people to risk their lives in the pursuit of extraordinary physical challenge.
- Excerpts from notable writing that illuminate all aspects of the climbing experience: from historic tales of ascents in the European Alps to contemplative analysis of the allure of the mountains.
- Every detail is covered: from alpine climbing technique to rock climbing equipment, ancient legends to modern-day anecdotes, high-altitude physiology to geological and meteorological facts.
With Photographs by: Galen Rowell, Patrick Morrow, Rick Ridgeway, Bill Hatcher, Craig Lovell, Macduff Everton, Bobby Modell, Beth Wald and many other noted photographers.
Introduction by Stacy Allison, the first American woman to summit Mount Everest.
50 Mountains
Aconcagua
Alpamayo
Annapurna
Ben Nevis
Bugaboo Spire
Carstensz Pyramid
Chimborazo
Cima Grande
Denali
Devil's Tower
Eiger
El Capitan
Fitzroy
Grand Teton
Grandes Jorasses
Huascaran
Jungfrau
K2
Kaknchenjunga
Longos Peak
Maroon Peak
Matterhorn
Mont Blanc
Monte Rosa
Mount Ararat
Mount Asgard
Mount Assiniboine
Mount Cook
Mount Elbrus
Mount Everest
Mount Fuji
Mount Hood
Mount Kenya
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Logan
Mount Owen
Mount Rainier
Mount Robson
Mount Saint Elias
Mount Stanley
Mount Washington
Mount Whitney
Nanda Devi
Nanga Parbat
Pik Kommunizma
Piz Bernina
Snowdon
Trango Tower
Vinson Massif
Yerupaja
Synopsis
Introduction by Stacy Allison, the first American woman to successfully climb Mt. Everest. This wondrous large-format book, full of dramatic full-color spreads and in-depth text, takes armchair adventurers as well as experienced climbers to their heavens--the peaks of the 50 most awe-inspiring mountains in the world. Moving stories of staggering altitudes, the sheer will to survive and the quest for the summits inspire readers with the adventurer's spirit that has put mountain climbing at the height of its popularity. Organized geographically by continent, each chapter covers a different mountain: its history, physical characteristics, route descriptions and famous ascents. Excerpts from detailed accounts of legendary expeditions will thrill and shock readers including Jon Krakauer on the tragic 1996 season on Everest. Includes biographies of Sir Edmund Hillary, Stacy Allison, Chris Bonington and other noted climbers. From Mt. Everest and K2 in the Himalayas to Denali in Alaska, Mt. Rainier in Washington and Mt. Eiger in the Alps, mountains all over the world are captured in vivid color photos from expeditions new and old.
Synopsis
This wondrous, large-format book, full of dramatic full-color spreads and in-depth text, takes armchair adventurers as well as experienced climbers to their heavens: the peaks of the 50 most awe-inspiring mountains in the world. 300 photos.
Synopsis
To The Summit
Fifty Mountains That Lure, Inspire And Challenge
" I realized that in the end every summit boils down to what you're willing to risk to pursue your passion and make your dreams come true."
- Stacy Allison
First American woman to summit Mount Everest.
To the Summit takes you on an exhilarating journey to the most powerful and intriguing mountains in the world. Dazzling pictures and dramatic narrative capture the essence of mountaineering, the unique personalities of mountains and the spectacular terrain that draws climbers to the highest points on Earth.
On these pages, the many facets of mountain climbing unfold. Fifty of the most compelling mountains - throughout the world's seven continent - play host to snow-blasted climbers battling biting winds, violent storms, deadly avalanches, sub-zero temperatures and making decisions that could mean life or death on their remarkable explorations of nature's harshest environments.
Every mountaineering detail is included: from climbing equipment in Yosemite to acclimatization strategies in the Himalaya and historic accounts of the Golden Age of Mountaineering in the European Alps. Writings by climbing legends of the past and present document personal accounts of triumph and loss. Profiles of famous climbers describe what it takes to scale these heights and why people risk everything to try.
This book is a gripping testament to human endurance, strength, determination and the will to survive for everyone who cherishes the awe-inspiring beauty and lure of mother nature's grandest creations.
About the Author
Joseph Poindexter has written and edited for Life, People, Business Week and other magazines. His affection for mountains dates to childhood hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He has climbed in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and the Pamirs of Tajikstan. He and his family live in Brooklyn, New York.
Table of Contents