Editorial Review

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Reviews (1373)

Fast paced, educating account of extreme mountaineering
Mr. Krakauer's account of the deadly trip to the top of Mt. Everest has a credibility to the story that many other action filled, non-fiction works have.Due mostly to the fact that Mr. Krakauer was a reporter who was there, a member of a team who witnessed the way the disaster unfolded in one of the most unforgiving environments in the world.His book is a chronicle of the things that went wrong with the expedition, things that were red-flags to those there but were not heeded.Some of the book deals with the commercialization of Everest, where if you have the money, you can find a guide that will risk your life, his life and others lives to get you to the top.Some of those who died were Everest guides, people who knew the signs of things going wrong, yet they still made the fateful decision of pressing on for the summit.Part of the book, about Beck Weathers is amazing and does give some hope to the extents and abuse the human body can take with a certain frame of mind.Albeit, it cost him his hands and part of his face, the fact that he survived is amazing none-the-less.
Read "The Climb," too...
I give "Above Thin Air" 5 stars because it is a magnificently written work about Everest, but Krakauer's venom towards Anatoli Boukreev was and is inexplicable when the facts of that night are laid bare.
Non-Fiction at Its Best
I couldn't put this book down. To be honest with you, I rarely enjoy non-fiction, yet the way with which Krakauer creates tension - something that most likely is not that difficult as Everest on its own is a formidable place - is as effective as some of the best fiction writers out there. I was also impressed with how he was able to situate the expedition and the characters involved within the rich tradition of Everest mountaineering. His descriptions of Hall and Fischer are remarkable and he has immortalized them for the general public as they have been immortalized with climbers for years. I also like the way with which Krakauer is honest about what he is and is not sure about concerning his account. Being above 26,000 ft. makes it very difficult to be sure of what took place. Overall, I was quite impresed with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    4. Krakauer, Jon    5. Mountaineering    6. Mountaineering accidents    7. Mountaineering expeditions    8. Specific Groups - General    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Sports - General    12. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money. Read more

Reviews (5)

tour guide
we were in nepal in recently and found this guide to be very useful and informative; will recommend it to anybody who is travelling to a new country.

Paperback Sherpa
The first time I traveled to Nepal I was on a limited budget, was alone, had no idea where I was going to stayand there was a riot going on in Kathmandu.
Here's another book to get in addition to L.P. Nepal
This book is great!I like to travel and not be a "typical american", and this book really helped me in that effort of knowing the culture and the land.I spent 5 weeks in Nepal and was more educated about the country/traditions/culture than any tourist I ran into.I spent a week in Kathmandu, 3 weeks trekking the Annapurna Circuit, and 1 week kayaking the Seti River.I used the medical section of this book (almost everyone gets sick), but should have bought a little medical book available in the bookstores in Kathmandu.Also, the trekking information in this book is good, but it's not great.If you want the BEST guidbook for trekking the Annapurna Circuit or Everest, then go to yetizone.you know what.It's a good site and the webmaster publishes his own guidebook for cheap!It's the best darn guidebook out there without question.Everyone I ran into in Nepal that looked at my book, and I mean EVERYONE, wanted to buy it or make copies.Also, it's not really a book, it's more like a little spiral bound pamphlet, so it weighs practically nothing, and I could keep it easily accessible in my cargo pocket.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Asia - Southwest    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel Guides    6. Nepal    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

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. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Great story, flawed method.
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
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
A marvellous book. Remarkably written, griping, and inspiring. A must for all mountaineers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1919-    2. Annapurna    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. General    5. Herzog, Maurice,    6. Mountain Climbing    7. Mountaineering    8. Nepal    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Travel    11. Herzog, Maurice    12. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    13. Travel / Polar Regions   

Reviews (5)

Self absorbed author
For the most part this book is decent.It is made better by the fact that it is almost impossible to get lost on the Everest or Gokyo treks.The author is in love with himself and spends lots of time describing things that have nothing to do with you finding the trail.The maps are hand written and not to scale. If it weren't obvious you might get lost.Unfortunately books like lonely planet focus on all of the Nepal treks and therefore are not as in depth.

Excellent guide for the Everest trek
I would agree with all previous reviews that this book is a must-have for all trekkers heading to the Everest region.I used it myself quite extensively on my trek there in May 2001, and it was most useful.The only thing I can add is that not only does it have very detailed maps and practical advice for the trekker, but it is also very compact and leightweight, which is very important if you are going to heights of more than 5,000m!The books' binding is sturdy and paper quite thick, which is good for backpacking (it will not fall apart after a week of trekking).I think this book is the best buy.

Definitively the best book to have on an Everest Trek
Before my trip to Nepal I ended up purchasing almost every english book on Nepal I could find.The Bezruchka book is definitely the bible on Nepal but is very large and doesn't have specifics about the Everest region.This book by Jamie Mc Guinness is very up-to-date and has great trail and village maps which are very accurate.There are suggested itineraries which are very nice but the format is easy to follow on the trail in case you decide to go on your own route.The suggested day hikes for acclimitisation days were very good too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - India    3. Mountaineering    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. ASIA    8. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering    9. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (2)

A "must read"
While reading this book, I often had to stop to read passages (even entire chapters) to my husband...I just had to share!It tells in an engaging way about life in a place I can only imagine...the armchair traveller will just get completely absorbed in this description of life far away.It's funny and extremely well-written.His "Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees" should be read first for maximum enjoyment.

Funny yet inspiring
After reading Dr Hales first book - Don't let the goats eat the loquat trees, I couldn't wait to read this book. The reality of his adventures and the honesty of his faith made me long to return to Nepal. Being willing toforgo the luxuries of America, Dr Hale was led to serve in Nepal, raise afamily and be a Christian witness to the people. The style of writing wasquite enjoyable and the content real, so easy to imagine being right therewith him. I could only hope for another book of his. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1937-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Description and travel    6. Hale, Thomas,    7. Medical - General    8. Medical care    9. Missionaries, Medical    10. Missions & Missionary Work    11. Nepal    12. Religious    13. United States    14. Biography: general    15. Christian Interest    16. Christian mission & evangelism    17. Hale, Thomas    18. Journeys    19. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (1)

Been there, Used it
I used this book during my six weeks in Nepal spring 2004 (trekking in Lantang, Helambu and Annapurna regions), and was glad to have it.In fact, I have my copy sitting in front of me right now!It gives detailed information on many of the better-traveled treks, along with some that are more out of the way.Plenty of information, including topo maps, to help you plan your trip or your day.Before I bought it, I sat down with several other guidebooks in an actual bookstore (yes, they do still exist!), and really felt that this one was the winner.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - India    3. Hiking    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Walking    7. Himalayas    8. Nepal    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Editorial Review

By the time you read the first of these "Traveler's Tales,"you'll be flipping to the back of the book to find out more about howto get to Nepal. The country's beguiling mysteries are revealed byteachers, musicians, photographers, poets, and authors such as PeterMatthiessen and BroughtonCoburn. Carefully selected quotes from other writers end everysection, helping to give another perspective on each theme. Read more

Reviews (5)

Essential for anyone interested in Nepal
This collection of essays and excerpts about Nepal and her people greatly exceeded my expecations. The editor displayedrefreshingly high standards when it came to picking which authors to include. The writing is of high quality, and the vast range of works included gives you an thorough, unvarnished look at all aspects of life and travel in Nepal. Taken together the entries accomplish the difficult task of helping the visitor-to--be know what it will FEEL like to be there. A charming cultural portrait of a fascinating land
Traveler's Tales is the postmodern guidebook. Instead of lists of iteneraries, temple admission prices and grainy photos, the authors of this book allow the reader to imagine Nepal in all of its tantalizing fullness. The excerpts selected range on topic and style, but all present unique aspects of the Nepali experience-- rural and urban, male and female, touristic and holistic. In opening the pages you can smell the spice markets, hear the chants of priests, feel the grinding poverty, inhale the crystalline Himalayan air and allow yourself to be carried down the narrow alleys of Pokhara. After reading Traveler's Tales: Nepal, I assue you you'll immediately run to Expedia to check fares to Kathmandu.

A great supplement to any travel book like Lonely planet!
I loved this book, it was a great travel book.This book gave me insights into the culture and beliefs of Nepal, not just places to stay or to eat like most travel books.All of the stories were unique and made me reallyexcited to hop on a plane and travel there.With this book I know what toexpect once I get there and know enough not to offend their culture as anAmerican.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Civilization    3. Description and travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Europe - Italy    6. Nepal    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel    9. Travel - General    10. India    11. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

On May 10, 1996, a paralyzing storm killed 12 climbers on Mt. Everest, disfigured many others, and put the peak back on its lofty throne. While the disaster on the South Face has received nearly all of the publicity, most notably in Jon Krakauer's Read more

Reviews (34)

Excellent! Excellent!
I didn't think I would find a book to top "Into Thin Air" and one that would take a different view of the 1996 tragedy. I could NOT put this book down. I made it last a week and didn't want it to end.Dickinson really achieves putting the reader into the story. I live under the High Sierra and have summited Mt.Whitney in Calif. Driving by that mountain that seems to shoot straight up into the sky, I remembered Dickinson's description of the Himalaya valley floors that were at 18,000 feet. I imagined the towering 14,000 foot peaks of the Sierra buried under 4,000 feet of dirt and that would be only the valley FlOOR of the Himalays with 11,000 feet to go to the summit of Everest. THEN I could visualize the unbelievable height of this mountain. THEN I could realize the effort it takes (and what it takes OUT of someone) to get to the summit. He Can't Believe He Did That...
The man who couldn't get up Mount Snowden, may in fact never even have been *on* Mount Snowden what with the rain and the dark and the half bottle of Southern Comfort, summits Everest! Talk about your missions improbable.

An excellent companion to 'Into Thin Air'
I was a bit hesitant to read The Other Side of Everest; it was beginning to seem to me that there wasn't a person anywhere near the mountain during 1996 that *hadn't* written a book.I figured this one would be a rehashing of the story we all know so well, from Into Thin Air and other books.How wrong I was.The Other Side of Everest offers a different perspective of the 1996 tragedies, but it's well told - *and* the book offers a great deal more.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dickinson, Matt    4. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    5. Journeys    6. Mountaineering    7. Mountaineering expeditions    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Travel    11. Travel / Adventure   

Reviews (7)

Ambitious & Successful
'Mapping the Tibetan World' is a very ambitious project, and one that succeeds brilliantly. Ambitious & Successful
'Mapping the Tibetan World' is a very ambitious project, and one that succeeds brilliantly. Informative but limited for climbing, biking...

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Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - Far East    3. Asia - Southwest    4. Guidebooks    5. Reference / Maps    6. Tibet (China)    7. Travel    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Travel / Asia / Central    10. Travel / Asia / General    11. Asia - Central    12. Asia - General    13. Bhutan    14. Gansu Sheng (China)    15. India    16. Ladakh (India)    17. Maps    18. Nepal    19. Reference    20. Sichuan Sheng (China)    21. Sikkim (India)    22. Tibet    23. Travel & holiday guides    24. Walking, hiking, trekking    25. Yunnan Sheng (China)    26. Zanskar (India)   

Editorial Review

When David Breashears agreed to climb Mount Everest with an IMAX camera in order to film from the summit, he had no idea that his little expedition would become embroiled in a tragedy that would make headlines around the world. On May 10, 1996, two expeditions led by experienced Everest guides Rob Hall and Scott Fisher summited the mountain, only to suffer the loss of eight members--including the two leaders--on the way back down. At the time, Breashears and his filmmaking crew were at the base camp preparing for their own climb--originally planned for that same day but postponed after realizing there would already be several other groups on the summit. Instead of making a film, Breashears and company participated in the rescue and only later reached the summit of Everest to successfully complete their film.Read more

Reviews (46)

This Story Just Does Not Go Away...
I forget you how many years ago its been since this event took place.But last month I saw the story told yet again in a national "adventure" magazine.
A Big Book For A Big Mountain
National Geographic has put together another epic of a book, receiving a rare five stars from this reviewer team. Supported by outstanding color photographs and an array of writings by numerous writers, this is a valued item to keep.
Beautiful Photography; Okay Writing
Having recently read "High Exposure" by David Breashears, I had a feeling of deja vu all over again when I cracked open this tome.Seemed to me that pages were lifted from "Exposure" and copy-pasted into "Mountain".
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Subjects:  1. (1996 :    2. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    3. MacGillivray Freeman IMAX/IWER    4. Mount Everest)    5. Mountaineering    6. Mountaineering accidents    7. Photo Essays    8. Photography    9. Pictorial works    10. Special Interest - Adventure    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Asia    12. Travel    13. Himalayas    14. India    15. Nature / General    16. Places & peoples: general interest   

Subjects:  1. 1953-    2. Asia - General    3. Asia - India    4. Description And Travel    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Laird, Thomas,    7. Matthiessen, Peter    8. Mustang    9. Mustang (Nepal)    10. Nepal    11. Travel    12. Travel - General    13. Journeys    14. Laird, Thomas    15. Non-Classifiable    16. Travel writing   

Subjects:  1. Etiquette    2. Manners And Customs    3. Reference    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Cultural studies    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Living & working abroad    10. Nepal    11. Places & peoples: general interest    12. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (7)

Exhaustive, dry and preachy
While the completeness of Bezruchka's guide cannot be faulted the tone and style certainly don't compare to Jamie McGuinness's book on the same topic.In comparison this book was quite a chore to read especially since it is peppered with sermons on globalization.An extremely capable guide but there are good alternatives you may find more enjoyable.

Everything you need to know about trekking in Nepal!
Fifteen years ago I started my trekking company's operation in Nepal with information from this book!The trek descriptions and the information on organizing a trek offer all the nuts and bolts. The background information is fascinating as are Dr. Bezruchka's views on poverty and culture shock.

Still the best trekking guide to all Nepal
This is the book that first opened my eyes to Nepal and its culture. It's much more than a guidebook: it has a sensitivity and compassion for its subject that is almost unique in the field of travel writing. It doesn't coddle you with if-it's-day-three-this-must-be-Namche route descriptions, but lets you find your own adventure and gain profound insights along the way. It also has an extensive medical section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southwest    2. General    3. Guidbooks    4. Guidebooks    5. Hiking    6. Nepal    7. South America    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign   

Reviews (3)

Fabulous book!
I did the Annapurna Circuit trek (Around Annapurna) last September with this book. I was my bible. Bryn Rocks!
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 onKathmandu and Pokhara.We hiked the entire circuit and used Bryn severaltimes each day.

Detailed information with excellent maps
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. Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Asia - Southwest    3. Europe - Spain & Portugal    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. ASIA    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Europe / Spain & Portugal    9. Walking, hiking, trekking   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Travel    3. Travel - General    4. Travel / General   

Subjects:  1. Asia - Central    2. Asia - India    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign   

Subjects:  1. Reference / Maps    2. ASIA    3. Maps    4. Maps, charts & atlases    5. Nepal    6. Travel / road maps & atlases   

Reviews (8)

She Made Me Nervous in KDU, too
She has been accurately described as a "seventy-year-old firing squad with pink lipstick, glasses perched on the end of her nose, and clutching a clipboard."For over four decades, Himalayan climbers have endured a nerve-wracking, Kathmandu rite of passage: passing factual muster under the steely-eyed stare of high-altitude mountaineering's official chronicler, Miss Elizabeth Hawley.But just who is this primly-dressed, always coiffeured woman who strikes fear into the hearts of the world's boldest mountaineers?Where did she come from, this intimate of kings, queens, presidents, Sir Ed, and Messner--and how did she become such an integral part of the Himalayan climbing scene?
Miss Hawley will see you now.
Those who have spent time in Nepal, climbers will have heard of Miss Hawley and if they have done something noteworthy, are likely to have met her in person.But most of you will come away puzzled by this non-climber who is the greatest chronicler of Himalayan ascents.Bernadette's book opens the door a crack.What I saw was more than I knew before, but there is still more, which is as it should be.You will enjoy this book whether you have incurred her wrath, or had her be nice to you or you weren't sure.

Would be a great New Yorker article
If you are interested in Nepal mountaineering, you will enjoy this book for its detailed profile of an unusual woman. Bernadette McDonald gives a fairly balanced assessment of Elizabeth Hawley, who played a remarkable role in climbing circles despite a stereotypical elitist attitude that prevented her from appreciating her adopted country and its people.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Mountaineering    7. Mountaineers    8. Nepal    9. Travelers    10. United States    11. Women    12. Women mountaineers   

Reviews (7)

To the reader
Dear reader, Careful research, careless readers
Giancarlo Passarini's review (see below) shows an undercurrent problem certain readers seem to have with the research Hemmleb et al. have done. Passarini doesn't like the possibility that the Chinese climbed Everest in 1960, so he attacks the author and suspects that statements approving of the Chinese claim were a "trade-off" for the information Hemmleb and Simonson received about Irvine. Nonsense! Passarini ignores that "Detectives" is very careful in its analysis of the 1960 Chinese expedition, including qualifying comments such as "Here is the story as the three (Chinese) later put it on record" (p. 156) or "Of the terrain (between the Second Step and the summit) the Chinese could provide only verbal descriptions" (p. 157) - all a far cry from flatly stating "the Chinese did it", as Passarini thinks the book has done. If careful, distinguished research is treated this way, the fault doesn't lie with the author but with the reader. (As for the issue of "South Tyrol", a more impartial view of its history and semi-autonomous status is advisable, but is beyond the scope of this review)

Marking Time While Finding History
This is a most significant book which fills in much of the detail about the early British expeditions to the North Face of Mount Everest.Yes, the 2001 climb failed to locate Irving's body and with it the missing cameras which may determine for once and all whether or not Mallory and Irvine did reach the summit in June of 1924.But the 2001 Expedition did uncover the several of the camps used by these early climbs and Hemmleb recounts how this makes our understanding of these early expeditions much more complete than it previously was.For instance, Hemmleb describes how it can now be determined that Mallory did not relocate his high camp, a point of great interest to and debate among Everest scholars for decades.And, what is most crucial in this book is Hemmleb's description of the patient and persistent work with veterans of the earlier Chinese climbs which has made the future location of Irvine's remains much more likely -- including a revelation that the Chinese had located Irvine's body not just in 1975 but also in 1960.Jochen Hemmleb is to be congratulated for his clear and concise writing, his brilliant scholarship, and the dogged devotion which keeps bringing him back to uncover ever more secrets, however reluctantly surrendered, on the 1921, 1922, and 1924 British expeditons.And this book, in short, is a necessary read for all with even a peripheral interest in the history of Mount Everest and of these early expeditions.Bravo, Jochen! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1886-1924    2. Asia - India    3. Everest, Mount (China and Nepa    4. Everest, Mount (China and Nepal)    5. Irvine, Andrew,    6. Leigh-Mallory, George Herbert,    7. Mountaineering    8. Mountaineering expeditions    9. Sports    10. Sports & Recreation    11. Climbing & mountaineering    12. Himalayas    13. Travel writing   

Reviews (14)

consumerist hippie buddhism
This book starts out in a very promising manner and during the first 20 pages or so I was looking forward to a good read. But it soon degenerates into trivialities, and anyone with an interest in Buddhist art will soon realise Greenwald doesn't have a clue about Buddhist sculpture (this wouldn't matter except that in the writing he pretends to).
Very moved by this book.I loved it.
I first learned of Jeff Greenwald from the book "A Sense of Place" which is a collection of interviews with authors best known for their travel/adventure writing.
An Insightful Quest -- Towards a Buddha Image
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Subjects:  1. 1954-    2. Asia - India    3. Description and travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Greenwald, Jeff,    6. Himalaya Mountains Region    7. Religion    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Greenwald, Jeff    11. India    12. Journeys    13. Nepal    14. Travel & holiday guides