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A review by sweekune
Everest 1922 by Mick Conefrey
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.75
⭐ 3.75/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by David Thorpe.
A detailed account of the first Western attempt to climb Everest and the trials and hazards faced in 1920s mountaineering.
- This is a very comprehensive account, and super detailed. I enjoyed this as I like knowing lots of little details but I can see how this could annoy readers who prefer a more action focused experience. For example, we get detailed histories on a lot of the climbers and in detail descriptions of the rations that were packed.
- The detail does lend itself beautifully to picturing landscapes. The aspects of the Himalayas travelled through and experienced by both the reconissence and attempt parties were vividly described and easily imaginable. I would happily read a book similar to this but dedicated to the culture of Tibet and the Himalayas.
- The author does a good job of addressing attitudes in climbing. There's intense and in-depth coverage over the benefits of supplemental oxygen throughout the book. Though not explicitly addressed until the end of the book and the epilogue, the author does discuss the treatment of Sherpas as both porters and guides and discusses some of the systemic racism faced by these people over the last century.
Thoroughly interesting and enjoyable. Would recommend to those who enjoy early 20th century adventure accounts and mountaineering.
Audiobook narrated by David Thorpe.
A detailed account of the first Western attempt to climb Everest and the trials and hazards faced in 1920s mountaineering.
- This is a very comprehensive account, and super detailed. I enjoyed this as I like knowing lots of little details but I can see how this could annoy readers who prefer a more action focused experience. For example, we get detailed histories on a lot of the climbers and in detail descriptions of the rations that were packed.
- The detail does lend itself beautifully to picturing landscapes. The aspects of the Himalayas travelled through and experienced by both the reconissence and attempt parties were vividly described and easily imaginable. I would happily read a book similar to this but dedicated to the culture of Tibet and the Himalayas.
- The author does a good job of addressing attitudes in climbing. There's intense and in-depth coverage over the benefits of supplemental oxygen throughout the book. Though not explicitly addressed until the end of the book and the epilogue, the author does discuss the treatment of Sherpas as both porters and guides and discusses some of the systemic racism faced by these people over the last century.
Thoroughly interesting and enjoyable. Would recommend to those who enjoy early 20th century adventure accounts and mountaineering.