Annapurna

Amazon.com

Before Everest, there was Annapurna. Maurice Herzog led an expedition of French climbers to the summit of this 26,000-foot Himalayan peak in 1950. At the time of the assault, it was the highest mountain ever climbed, a remarkable feat in itself made all the more remarkable by the fact that it had never previously been charted. Herzog and his team not only had to climb the darn thing, they had to find the route. As riveting as the tale of the ascent remains nearly half a century later, the story of the descent through virtually unsurvivable--think avalanche and frostbite, for starters--conditions is unforgettable. Herzog's masterful account, finally back in print, is a monument of courage and spirit, an epic adventure excitingly told.

Book Description

In 1950, no mountain higher than 8,000 meters had ever been climbed. Maurice Herzog and other members of the French Alpine Club had resolved to try. Their goal was a 26,493-foot Himalayan peak called Annapurna. But unlike other climbs, which draw on the experience of prior reconnaissance, the routes up Annapurna had never been analyzed before. Herzog and his team had to locate the mountain using sketchy, crude maps, pick out a single, untried route, and go for the summit. Annapurna is the unforgettable account of this dramatic and heroic climb, and of its harrowing aftermath. Although Herzog and his comrade Louis Lachenal reached the mountain's summit, their descent was a nightmare of frostbite, snow blindness, and near death. With grit and courage manifest on every page, Herzog's narrative is one of the great mountain-adventure stories of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Climbed But Not Conquered.......2006-12-06

Herzog provides a detailed perspective of the famed Annapurna climb that has inspired numerous high altitude and arm chair climbers.

Suffering frostbite and unimaginable suffering, Herzog has made a statement, worth reading in his epic account. No other sport has it's center pieces so open in sharing their innermost feelings.

The b/w photos were relatively scare and of only fair quality.

Great story, flawed method........2006-01-26

Reading the other reviews of this book, I'm reminded of a quote from one of my favorite, although little known Sean Connery movies, where he plays an Arab pirate. At one point Connery says to his second in command: "It is good." "What is good?", replies the other man. "It is good to know where we are going," answers Connery. Alas, Herzog and his men didn't know where they were going, and spent a month wandering around looking. It would have been good to send out an initial recon group to find the mountain before they started out. Or, to paraphrase an english adventurer, "to lose a pack animal is unfortunate; to lose an entire mountain seems downright careless."

An Amazing Story of Incredible Human Endurance.......2005-12-07

Wow! This is one of those real life adventure stories that has you wondering how much more the people can endure before they collapse and die. These guys climbed one of the world's most difficult mountains with old climbing technology. What they lacked in modern equipment, they made up for with strength and fitness. The more I read about mountaineering, the more I agree that it is 75% mental and 25% physical. Being in the best physical condition possible definitely gives you a better opportunity for success on high ground. If you liked this book, I encourage you to read my book "Rocky Mountain Adventure Collection". Best wishes on your adventures in life!

Mountaineering Classic.......2005-04-08

A marvellous book. Remarkably written, griping, and inspiring. A must for all mountaineers.

Good Adventure Reading.......2005-01-31

First and foremost, the topic of the book is of historical significance in the world of climbing, so it's a "must read" if you are into that sort of thing. If you aren't, it's still a great adventure read. Well worth the time. I'm glad I read it and would recommend it to people who enjoy outdoor adventures.

The text itself is written well, flows nicely, and is generally an easy read. I also found it to have a good balance between the characters emotions, the activity of the climb, and local color and flavor.

Something I found interesting was the attitude of Herzog. Granted, this was written in the 50's, but it was intersting to see his attitudes towards the local people. He certainly had a "I'm better than you" attitude towards the local Porters and Sherpas. He also displayed a lot of attitude towards other members of his expedition. At one moment he would be very condescending and critical, then a few pages later he would be singing their praises.

I wish the book had a bigger glossary than it does. I frequently found myself going to the glossary to look up the meaning of a word that was used, and didn't find it. Here, I'm talking about "climbing lingo" and words and phrases that Herzog uses that are relative to the language of the locals in Tibet and India.

I also didn't care for the placement of the photographs. They often didn't follow the text. A picture could preceed or follow the pertinent text by 100 pages, which made for a lot of "page flipping". It would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the photographs before reading the text, so that you know when to go back and find a specific photo.

Outside of this book, I've learned that there is a lot of controversy over what "really" happened and Herzog's attitude and motivations. If you read this book, keep in mind that this isn't necessarily what actually happened, but more of an account of what Herzog wanted you to know. Take most of it with a grain of salt, and do some additional research to get the full picture.

Also, understand that this climb was a "first" at that height, and was using technologies and understanding of altitude at that time. A reader with current climbing knowledge will often read a passage and think to himself "No Kidding, Dummy!", but we know that hindsight is 20/20. Their accomplishment is all the more exciting knowing that things we know and understand today, were unknown to them... and don't forget, they didn't have the high tech equipment that todays climbers have.

Annapurna: A Woman's Place (20th Anniversary Edition)

Average customer rating:

Gripping and Inspiring Read
Wow.
Read this book!
We've Come a Long Way...
Let's Hear It For the Girls

Annapurna: A Woman's Place (20th Anniversary Edition)
Arlene Blum
Manufacturer: Sierra Club Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1578050227

Amazon.com

In 1978, 13 women set out to climb Annapurna I in the Nepal Himalaya, achieving the first ascent of the world's 10th highest mountain by an American and by a woman. By proving that women had the skill, strength, and courage necessary to make this difficult and dangerous climb, the 1978 Women's Himalayan Expedition's accomplishment had a positive impact around the world, changing perceptions about women's abilities in sports and other arenas. Twenty years later, Arlene Blum has republished her account, offering her story to a new generation. Blum writes in the introduction,

Annapurna has become for me a metaphor for difficult and important goals. Striving to achieve such objectives draws on all of our abilities and brings out the best in us. There are still many 'Annapurnas' to be climbed in the world--such as protecting our natural environment; decreasing the gap between rich and poor; providing basic necessities for everyone on this planet; and raising our children to live with love and good values.

Impressive black-and-white photos record the women's journey from Katmandu to the summit and back again. This book documents the personal triumphs and tragedies of these women with insights that only a firsthand account can offer. --Kathryn True

Book Description

This is the 20th-anniversary edition of team leader Arlene Blum's best-selling account of the history-making 1978 ascent of Annapurna by the American Women's Himalayan Expedition.
A classic story in the annals of women's achievements, Annapurna was the first account of mountaineering triumph and tragedy to be told from a woman's perspective. A huge critical and commercial success, the original edition sold more than 65,000 copies. Updated now with a new foreword by the author to mark the 20th anniversary of the harrowing ascent, Annapurna is as timely and as riveting today as when it was first published. It is a story of challenge and commitment, told with passion, humor, and honesty.

Customer Reviews:

Gripping and Inspiring Read.......2005-04-27

I don't know how you can't feel the call of the mountains after reading this book. I wanted to jump on the next plane to India. An excellent documentary style book on women's relationships with each other and men, the image women hold of themselves and how others perceive us, and a moving story illustrating that women can do anything. Excellent.

Wow........2003-08-03

This new release of a 20yo book is a winner. I still have my tattered T-shirt proclaiming women should be 'on top,' that I bought in Berkeley way back then, in support of Blum?s fundraising for her 1978 all-woman assault on Annapurna. By proving to the skeptical small mountain-climbing community of men, as well as to the world at large, that women COULD be leaders of expeditions into the high Himilayas, Blum opened the door to a new vision of women's abilities in sports as well as all other areas of life.

Read this book!.......2003-06-03

Arlene Blum's book is the best mountain-climbing book I've ever read, by far, and as the daughter of a climber, I've read quite a few. This book excels because of its author. Her sensitivity, perceptiveness, and concern for others is evident throughout. She's also a good writer with a good story.

We've Come a Long Way..........2002-04-05

This is one of the best climbing narratives I have read. Arlene Blum gives us a glimpse into each climber's strengths and idiosyncracies. We are treated to an intimate look at how each member contributes to the team as a whole.

I enjoyed seeing how each member of the team overcame personal challenges with the mountain, whether it was to climb higher than she ever had before, or to make the summit. Sadly, two climbers met their challenges with the ultimate price -- their lives.

I was impressed with Arlene's leadership ability and organization. By the end of the book, Arlene's growth as a leader was obvious -- she made some difficult decisions (both good and bad) and learned from each of them.

Several times I was annoyed by the Sherpas' insubordination, but perhaps that was due to a clash of cultures, etc. It's wonderful to see how the times have changed in the climbing world today as compared to back then.

Let's Hear It For the Girls.......2002-01-13

"Annapurna: a Woman's Place" leaves something to be desired as a title. This 8,000+-foot monster is not much a "Place" for any life form. It is about as stable as a bowl of jello with hardly a square foot safe from avalanches. It takes weeks (that is after you get as far as Katmandu) of walking to even get there. Annapurna is located in Nepal, near the China border.

Ms. Blum led a diverse 13 woman team on an almost three month adventure on the mountain. The women's ages ranged from 20-50, their nationalities from American to Polish to British (and a few I would just label as "extremely cosmopolitan"); their abilities ranked from zero to professional level climber level.

The author does an excellent job of relating her feelings, problems and insecurities as a leader. I was impressed at the cooperative spirit of all the women and their willingness to discuss emotional problems as they developed. I don't think 13 men would be as cohesive a unit. Of course, a man's team most likely would not have to worry about someone having a love affair with the cook, either!

The black & white climbing photos are excellent and nicely matched with the narrative. You definitely get a sense of the struggle, the cold, and the tensions that are never-ending on such an ambitious climb.

Ms. Blum imported five Sherpas as high-climbing support, hoping to ensure greater safety with their expertise. Was this a successful plan? Yes and no. The Sherpas were for the most part insubordinate (they had little confidence in female decisions) and temperamental. However, when the chips were down, they came through and displayed their much praised stamina and resolve.

The triumph of the two women who summited was a rousing adventure-read and showed that their accomplishment was indeed a victory for the whole team. The two women, one British and one American, that attempted the middle summit a day later and tragically fell to their deaths is still shrouded in mystery. I cannot help but think their decision making abilities were clouded by the high altitude. The risks were far too many, and the chances of success, but slight.

Book Description

Following the Kali Gandaki River through the world's deepest valley, an ancient Tibetan trade route cuts across the Annapurna region. It's an area of astounding natural beauty ranging from lush rice fields in the south to the high-altitude desert plateau in the north, past Himalayan peaks of over 26,000 ft.

This fully revised and expanded fourth edition includes fifteen village plans and forty-five route maps covering these classic treks:
>Annapurna Circuit
>Annapurna Sanctuary
>Pokhara to Poon Hill
>Pokhara-Jomsom-Muktinath
>Tilicho Tal
>Dhaulagiri Ice-fall
>Plus- Manang Valley hikes, Siklis Eco-Trek, day walks from Jomsom, and an introduction to trekking peaks in the Annapurna region

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Guide!.......2007-05-14

I bought this fantastic little guide in a bookstore in Kathmandu. I used it during my trek around Annapurna and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Much better than the LP guide, and small enough that it doesn't get in the way.

Fabulous book!.......2002-04-01

I did the Annapurna Circuit trek (Around Annapurna) last September with this book. I was my bible.
The book has very good chapters about Nepal in general, Kathmandu and Pokhara but it's strength lies in the trail maps and text.
The maps are very very detailed (you can't get lost...), they indicate where is the next steep climbing and how much time does it takes to the next village. In the text you can find recommendations for eating and lodging (that never miss...).
The book covers all the popular treks in the Annapurna region but also offer side treks for more adventrous trekkers.

The bottom line : Worth every Penny!

Bryn Rocks!.......1999-12-10

This guide is all you need for the Annapurna. Beats the pants off Lonely Planet. Great maps, highlights, places to stay, etc.; small and lightweight; good gear list for preparing, info on when to go; bits on Kathmandu and Pokhara. We hiked the entire circuit and used Bryn several times each day.

Detailed information with excellent maps.......1998-07-19

I found the information in the book was great help. The maps together with the estimated timings were particularly helpful in deciding the route to take.

In addition to the treks Bryn Thomas also gives useful information on places to stay.

Book Description

In a startling look at the classic Annapurna -- the most famous book about mountaineering -- David Roberts discloses what really happened on the legendary expedition to the Himalayan peak.

In June 1950, a team of mountaineers was the first to conquer an 8,000-meter peak. Maurice Herzog, the leader of the expedition, became a national hero in France, and Annapurna, his account of the historic ascent, has long been regarded as the ultimate tale of courage and cooperation under the harshest of conditions.

In True Summit, David Roberts presents a fascinating revision of this classic tale. Using newly available documents and information gleaned from a rare interview with Herzog (the only climber on the team still living), Roberts shows that the expedition was torn by dissent. As he re-creates the actual events, Roberts lays bare Herzog's self-serving determination and bestows long-delayed credit to the most accomplished and unsung heroes.

These new revelations will inspire young adventurers and change forever the way we think about this victory in the mountains and the climbers who achieved it.

Customer Reviews:

Judgment.......2006-10-30

I read Herzog's Annapurna before ordering True Summit, and responded to Herzog's book very differently than David Roberts did. Herzog wrote many things in Annapurna that might make a person critical of him. For example: leaving his hands exposed when it wasn't necessary, pulling a companion down by moving forward when there wasn't enough slack in the rope, and pursuing directions that turned out to be useless when his companions had argued strongly for better ideas. So when I started True Summit and discovered that the author criticized Herzog for glorifying himself, I was quite surprised. In fact, by the end of True Summit, my respect for Herzog had grown immensely. His companions and his detractors appear in True Summit to have been more disagreable than hinted at in the book Annapurna. And Roberts comes across as mean-hearted...part of a group attacking a man who managed to have a productive life and to inspire new generations of climbers in spite of having lost his toes and fingers. Herzog wasn't perfect, but who is perfect?

As for being self-centered at the expense of others, or for literaty effect, how is it that Roberts himself becomes a primary character in a book about Annapurna while he does almost nothing to cover the lives of the sherpas who were so essential to the trip? The tales of Roberts' climbing adventures become almost as central as those of Herzog, even though Roberts never got anywhere close to Annapurna. I'm not saying that Roberts' experience is uninteresting or irrelevant. But is he not succumbing exactly as Herzog did to a temptation to center on the self and to create a literary effect at the expense of providing more factual information about people essential to the trip up Annapurna?

Detailed but Interesting.......2006-04-20

I have read other David Roberts' climbing books and generally enjoy them greatly. He writes in a very detailed intelligent style with entertainment a secondary consideration. More of a college analytic paper than a novel which is appropriate.

This book takes that to a higher degree as he re-examines the famous 1950 climb of Annapurna. In that climb the expedition leader and a professional climber summit at a very high cost. One of the most famous books in mountaineering was written by the leader Herzog who goes to great fame and wealth from this climb. This book examines whether the book is 100% accurate or slanted. A great bit of time is spent in extreme detail discussing different wordings and accounts of the climb. This somewhat bogs down the story but to true climbers with a historical interest it will be very appealing. For me, it was a bit much.

But the final third of the book where conclusions are drawn and stories from the other climbers offer perspective really make this book worth the read. This book clearly demonstrates the courage and commitment of those involved and readers will definitely come away inspired by the story of the climb. As to me, I will not be drawn into the debate of what really happened. It is possible that different people can look at the same facts in a different way and I found more of that than any conspiracy. A topical but detailed climbing book so be prepared to not breeze through the book like a novel.

The view from the Chamonix guides.......2003-08-04

A talented and energetic mountaineer in his own right, rubber company executive Maurice Herzog did not worry about returning to work after Annapurna. Knowing that, it is no wonder the professional Chamonix guides, Louis Lachenal, Lionel Terray, and Gaston Rebuffat were more concerned about keeping their digits than reaching the summit.

Most moving is the story of Lachenal accompanying Herzog to the summit not because he cared about the summit, but because his professionalism compelled him to return his partner to safety. Lachenal lost his toes and never again climbed professionally.

This is the story of the guides, talented, courageous, and imperfect, whom we can respect and learn from, for quietly rising to the challenge of making the most of a compromising situation. While the the author's own mountaineering experiences in the chapters on Rebuffat and Terray could arguably have been saved for a different book, they explain the spirituality and passion he conveys as he interviews their survivors.

TRUE SUMMIT...TRULY WONDERFUL.......2002-04-15

This book explores what may actually have happened during the 1950 French expedition to the Himalayas which was 'led' by Maurice Herzog. This expedition was the first to summit an 8,000 meter peak, and it was the cause for much nationalist pride in post-war France.

'True Summit' is a very interesting read in terms of its research, as well as its historical and archival detail. Its author, David Roberts, is himself a mountaineer and has an innate understanding of the subject matter of the book, which contributes to its success.

I would, however, highly recommend that one first read Maurice Herzog's "Annapurna" which is Herzog's first person, romanticized account of the expedition and the source for much of what is analyzed in this book. Reading it will ground readers of 'True Summit' in the context out of which this book arises, and will make it that much more enjoyable.

After the ostensible summit of Annapurna (more about this in 'True Summit') by Herzog and Louis Lachenal who were aided in their harrowing descent by fellow expeditioners, Lionel Terray and Gaston Rebuffat, only Maurice Herzog went on to become a national hero in France. The other three mountaineers, all of whom were more experienced and proficient, were largely ignored in what was to become a carefully orchestrated, media event around Maurice Herzog.

"True Summit" attempts to set the story straight and right past wrongs. It also helps to debunk the self-serving, though gripping, sanitized account authored by expedition leader Maurice Herzog. What emerges is a more realistic picture of what may have actually transpired during that fateful, 1950 French expedition.

This book ensures that the contributions of three of the main protagonists, Lachenal, Terray, and Rebuffat, all highly experienced mountaineers from the Chamonix region of France, will not be forgatten. It is a memorial to their efforts during that expedition and well worth reading.

Roberts Debunks a Mountaineering Fairytale.......2002-02-06

Over fifty years ago, Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, members of a French expedition, reached the top of the Himalayan mountain, Annapurna. At 26,493-feet it is the tenth highest mountain in the world.

This first conquest of a peak over 8,000-meters (26,240-feet) was for France, then mired in a post-war depression, paramount to Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon.

The stirring book that followed, "Annapurna," written by Herzog, the expedition's leader, has been published in over 40 languages and has sold over 11-million copies becoming the best selling mountaineering book of all time.

For Herzog, who lost all his fingers and toes to frostbite, the book brought a life of fame and fortune. Although he never again did any serious climbing, Herzog became mayor of the famous French skiing town of Chamonix, served as Minister of Youth and Sports under Charles de Gaulle, was president and CEO of several major businesses, and served for many years on the International Olympic Committee.

In the years that followed, most of the world, including France, forgot about the expedition's three professional mountain guides: Lachenal, who lost all his toes after reaching the summit and died in a skiing accident in 1955; and Lionel Terray and Gaston Rebuffat, who gave-up their own summit bid to rescue the frostbitten Lachenal and Herzog.

In a 1980 article for the Sierra Club's journal "Assent," David Roberts, an acclaimed mountaineer himself, ranked "Annapurna" as the best mountaineering book ever written. Like most of the great climbers of the later 20th century, it was this eloquent and passionate book that first inspired him to seriously climb. So it was a bitter disappointment when in 1996 Roberts met Michel Guerin, a specialty publisher of mountaineering books in Chamonix, who revealed for him the truth behind "Annapurna."

In addition to an oath of unquestioning obedience to Herzog, the climbing team was required just before boarding the airplane to Nepal, to sign a contract forbidding them to publish anything about the expedition for five years after returning to France. Many of the climbers considered abandoning the expedition but relented. It was to be for each of them, their first trip to the Himalayas.

Near the end of the moratorium, Lachenal was preparing an autobiographical memoir, including all of his plainspoken criticisms of Herzog and the expedition. But after his death, Herzog was appointed tuteur, a legal guardian, of Lachenal's family. Along with Lucien Davies, the most influential man in French alpinism and the author of the oath and publishing moratorium, Herzog "pruned every scrap of critical, sardonic, or embittered commentary the guide had penned," about the Annapurna expedition. The whitewashed book, "Carnets du Vertige," was published in 1956.

For Herzog, sacrificing his fingers and toes was a minor price for the sublime victory that was reaching the summit of Annapurna. For Lachenal, it was merely a waste.

In TRUE SUMMIT, Roberts chronicles and analyzes the controversy stirred by the 1996 publishing of an unexpurgated version of "Carnets" and a subsequent biography of Rebuffat, which also revealed a highly critical view of the abilities and motives of Herzog, now the only surviving climbing member of the expedition.

Until his death from cancer in 1985, Rebuffat hid the negative of a photograph Herzog made Lachenal take on the summit, showing Herzog holding the banner of the tire company that employed him, the company that had contributed 500,000 francs to the expedition. For this treason, Rebuffat was never again invited on an official French mountaineering expedition.

The unveiling portrait of Davies and Herzog begins to ring similar to Ayn Rand's insincerely-altruistic and power-hungry characters Ellesworth Toohey and Peter Keating from her 1943 novel, "The Fountainhead."

Roberts' research is thorough as it is engaging, including numerous interviews with Lachenal's son, Rebuffat's widow and one with Herzog himself.

But what makes TRUE SUMMIT a truly enjoyable journey is Roberts' personal connection to the characters. As a young climber in the 1960s, tackling many dubious assents in Alaskan range, Roberts and his partners imagined themselves being Lachenal, Terray and Rebuffat. This book finally gives credit where credit is due. TRUE SUMMIT is a must-read for any serious armchair, or actual, climber.

Annapurna Circuit - Himalayan Journey
Average customer rating:

A melancholic self-righteous travelogue

Peace and comfort in the Himalayas

a descriptive account of one man's encounters while on trek

A unique and delightful travelogue

New dimension in travel writing

Annapurna Circuit - Himalayan Journey
Andrew Stevenson
Manufacturer: Constable and Robinson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0094789800

Book Description

Many disenchanted Westerners have gone to the Himalayas in search of renewal, but few have written about the experience as perceptively or as intimately as Andrew Stevenson. A traveler all his life, Stevenson responds to people and places with an openness unique to the cultural nomad. His portraits of the people of the Annapurnas, and of the fellow trekkers who intermittently shared his journey, are a delight, and his descriptions of the landscape, and the physical hardships of the trek, are enthralling. Like every travel book of quality, this is also the record of a spiritual journey, and Stevenson movingly records his impressions of the Buddhist teachings lived out around him. A richly rewarding read on every level.

Customer Reviews:

A melancholic self-righteous travelogue.......2001-03-31

Stevenson's trek in the Himalayas is unique in that he came to no real "spiritual" answers; instead of trite Western musings on Buddhism and the Eastern mind the reader is presented with refreshingly honest and candid accouts of a two month stay in Eastern Nepal. However, anyone without his particular aesthetic approach to the trek is immediately branded a superficial obese Westerner; only four or five non-indigenous people are painted as sympathetic characters. Self-righteousness is sometimes present in the descriptions of his fellow trekkers, but a well-balanced anthropological and personal account is still gleaned from the book.

Peace and comfort in the Himalayas.......1999-10-12

Andrew Stevenson must have many happy memories of his Himalayan journeys, despite the tendency towards altitude sickness, which he overcame, and the hard strive to reach Thorong La, and leave the most difficult climbing behind. His memories will also be of his encounters with other trekkers and of the usually charming and friendly Nepalese people, especially the 12 year old Dipak who spent some days excitedly 'guiding' him. I am sure he would have found peace and much comfort in the environment of the Himalayas.

I followed the maps with intent as the journey progressed and eventually closed a book I have so enjoyed. I am delighted and proud to possess an attractive hard bound edition of Annapurne Circuit: Himalayan Journey. I am also pleased to see it is now available as a paperback - a wonderful gift, especially with Christmas and the new Millennium on the not too distant horizon.

a descriptive account of one man's encounters while on trek.......1999-07-15

This is a descriptive and personal account of one man's trek on the Circuit, detailing where he stayed and his relationships with the people he met along the way as well as the people with whom he trekked. Having trekked the Circuit recently, and having read the book in Kathmandu, I recommend it to those who have been on that specific trek and also for those who are "armchair travelers".

A unique and delightful travelogue.......1999-05-09

This delightful travelogue explores a popular trekking route in Eastern Nepal that has rarely been written about. Stevenson relates a journey that is rich with colourful characters, and is seeped in exquisite descriptions of the countryside through which he travels. The book is personally written, as if reading a diary, and it is this intimacy which allows the author's personality to permeate the stories, drawing the reader in alongside him. Thus, the reader accompanies Stevenson, whilst encountering a lively engagement with both internal and external landscapes. "Annapurna Circuit: Himalayan Journey" is an extraordinary achievement, unique in its combination of geographical location and literary style. In particular, his incisive examination of the effects of tourism on the Himalayas makes this account a valuable record of a beautiful and archaic land that may soon be altered irrevocably by the insidious and pervasive influence of western capitalism.

New dimension in travel writing.......1999-03-29

Once I started reading this book it was impossible to put down. The descriptions are so vivid and the characters so real I felt it was me and not the author on the trip. I feel as though I have to go to Nepal to experience my own adventure. In summary it is an intelligent and insightful literary classic. I await Stevensons next travel log, eagerly!!!

Annapurna: A Trekker's Guide (Cicerone Mountain Walking)

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Annapurna: A Trekker's Guide (Cicerone Mountain Walking)
Kev Reynolds
Manufacturer: Cicerone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A Thousand Splendid Suns

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Annapurna, First Conquest of an 8000=meter Peak (26,493 feet)

Average customer rating:

PIONEER MONTAINEER...

Annapurna, First Conquest of an 8000=meter Peak (26,493 feet)
Maurice Herzog
Manufacturer: Dutton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Customer Reviews:

PIONEER MONTAINEER..........2006-06-16

This book is a romanticized, sanitized account of the 1950 French expedition to the Himalayas by its ostensible leader, Maurice Herzog. It is a book that is reflective of the times in which it was written. Still, it should be a must read for anyone who is interested in high altitude climbing.

I first read this book in the early 1960s as a young teenager. I recall being enthralled by it and amazed at the hardships the climbers endured to bring glory to France. In reading it again as an adult, I find myself still enthralled, but more attuned to the fact that it is written in a somewhat self-serving style.

The book itself chronicles the attempt by the French to climb an 8,000 meter peak in the Himalayas. They had two alternatives: Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. In those days, the Himalayas were largely uncharted and any topographical maps which existed at the time proved to be largely incorrect. So, the French expedition spent a large portion of their time in reconnaissance. Not only were they there to climb the mountain, they had to find a way to get to it and then map out a route on the unknown terrain to the summit. Ultimately, they chose to climb Annapurna.

In reading this book, one must remember that the climb took place without the sophisticated equipment or protective clothing available today. This was before gortex and commercial freeze-dried foods. This climb was made before Nepal or climbing the Himalayas became a major tourist attraction. The conditions for travelers were extremely primitive and difficult under the best of circumstances.

When the expedition finally finds a route to Annapurna, the reader almost feels like cheering for them. When they start to climb, one senses that, in comparison to latter day expeditions, they are not so well equipped or savvy about the dangers one can encounter during a high altitude climb or the risks in doing it without supplemental oxygen, as they did. Then one realizes that they were pioneers. They were paving the way for others.

The climb to the summit by Maurice Herzog and his partner, Louis Lachenal, is interesting, but it is their harrowing descent and return to civilization which is riveting. The two summiteers begin their descent but run into difficulties. They are fortunate to encounter two of their fellow climbers, Lionel Terray and Gaston Rebuffat, who are contemplating their own summit assault but, instead, choose to aid their comrades in the descent, foregoing their own quest for the summit.

The travails which the climbers encounter on the descent would have finished off less hardy souls. Maurice Herzog loses his gloves during the descent and has no spare pair. One of them falls into a crevasse which, believe it or not, turns out to be a good thing. They are caught in an avalanche. They get lost in a storm. They become frostbitten, and two of them are, ultimately, forced to endure amputations.

The medical treatment they received by the expedition doctor is unbelievable and almost primitive. Employing treatments for frostbite that have since fallen onto disrepute (excruciatingly painful arterial injections, for example), the doctor is almost frightening, at times. The reader cannot help but feel pity for the suffering the injured climbers endured: maggot ridden flesh, amputations without anaesthesia, and lack of proper medical care for a protracted period of time.

The heroics of some of the Sherpas, as on most expeditions, go largely unsung. One must, however, pause to reflect on the fact that as this all took place before airlifts were available, the injured climbers had to be carried. Their exodus back to the frontier took about five weeks. Who carried them down the mountain, over the moraines, on makeshifts bridges over flooded, raging rivers, through dense jungle? Who else but the Sherpas. What thanks did they get? None, as usual.

Anyway, when the expedition finally return to France, Maurice Herzog is lauded as a national hero by the French. He becomes the media darling. The other three climbers, as are the rest of those on the expedition, are largely ignored and forgotten. Therein lies the tale. Notwithstanding, however, its idealization, romanticism, and everything is hunky-dory routine, Herzog's book is still a must read for all climbing enthusiasts.

Readers Digest Condensed Books Summer 1953 Selections Vol. XIV (Our Virgin Island, A Bargain With God, Annapurna, A Good Man, The Intruder., Summer 1953)

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Readers Digest Condensed Books Summer 1953 Selections Vol. XIV (Our Virgin Island, A Bargain With God, Annapurna, A Good Man, The Intruder., Summer 1953)

Manufacturer: The Reader's Digest Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I04IUU

Product Description

Great Condition! No DJ.Pages Yellowed. light ware on edges of cover. Text is Perfect! Next Day Shipping!

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EXTREME ADVENTURE FOR THE GLORY OF FRANCE...

Annapurna
Maurice Herzog
Manufacturer: Popular Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007G43PU

Customer Reviews:

EXTREME ADVENTURE FOR THE GLORY OF FRANCE..........2005-08-03

This book is a romanticized, sanitized account of the 1950 French expedition to the Himalayas by its ostensible leader, Maurice Herzog. It is a book that is reflective of the times in which it was written. Still, it should be a must read for anyone who is interested in high altitude climbing.

I first read this book in the early 1960s as a young teenager. I recall being enthralled by it and amazed at the hardships the climbers endured to bring glory to France. In reading it again as an adult, I find myself still enthralled, but more attuned to the fact that it is written in a somewhat self-serving style.

The book itself chronicles the attempt by the French to climb an 8,000 meter peak in the Himalayas. They had two alternatives: Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. In those days, the Himalayas were largely uncharted and any topographical maps which existed at the time proved to be largely incorrect. So, the French expedition spent a large portion of their time in reconnaissance. Not only were they there to climb the mountain, they had to find a way to get to it and then map out a route on the unknown terrain to the summit. Ultimately, they chose to climb Annapurna.

In reading this book, one must remember that the climb took place without the sophisticated equipment or protective clothing available today. This was before gortex and freeze-dried foods. This climb was made before Nepal or climbing the Himalayas became a major tourist attraction. The conditions for travelers were extremely primitive and difficult under the best of circumstances.

When the expedition finally finds a route to Annapurna, the reader almost feels like cheering for them. When they start to climb, one senses that, in comparison to latter day expeditions, they are not so well equipped or savvy about the dangers one can encounter during a high altitude climb or the risks in doing it without supplemental oxygen, as they did. Then one realizes that they were pioneers. They were paving the way for others.

The climb to the summit by Maurice Herzog and his partner, Louis Lachenal, is interesting, but it is their harrowing descent and return to civilization that is riveting. The two summiteers begin their descent but run into difficulties. They are fortunate to encounter two of their fellow climbers, Lionel Terray and Gaston Rebuffat, who are contemplating their own summit assault but, instead, choose to aid their comrades in the descent, foregoing their own quest for the summit.

The travails which the climbers encounter on the descent would have finished off less hardy souls. Maurice Herzog loses his gloves during the descent and has no spare pair. One of them falls into a crevasse, which, believe it or not, turns out to be a good thing. They are caught in an avalanche. They get lost in a storm. They become frostbitten, and two of them are, ultimately, forced to endure amputations.

The medical treatment they received by the expedition doctor is unbelievable and almost primitive. Employing treatments for frostbite that have since fallen onto disrepute (excruciatingly painful arterial injections, for example), the doctor is almost frightening, at times. The reader cannot help but feel pity for the suffering the injured climbers endured: maggot ridden flesh, amputations without anesthesia, and lack of proper medical care for a protracted period of time.

The heroics of some of the Sherpas, as on most expeditions, go largely unsung. One must, however, pause to reflect on the fact that as this all took place before airlifts were available, the injured climbers had to be carried. Their exodus back to the frontier took about five weeks. Who carried them down the mountain, over the moraines, on makeshifts bridges over flooded, raging rivers, through dense jungle? Who else but the Sherpas. What thanks did they get? None, as usual.

Anyway, when the expedition finally return to France, Maurice Herzog is lauded as a national hero by the French. He becomes the media darling. The other three climbers, as are the rest of those on the expedition, are largely ignored and forgotten. Therein lies the tale. If you want to know how this polarization came about, I highly recommend that you also read "True Summit" by David Roberts. It gives you the inside scoop about the expedition and how things really were.

Notwithstanding its idealization, romanticism, and everything is hunky-dory routine, Herzog's book is still a must read for all climbing enthusiasts or those who simply enjoy a fascinating adventure.

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