No Shortcuts To The Top. Climbing The World's 14 Highest Peaks

Cover Type: Hardcover
Book Condition: Fine
Jacket Condition: Fine
Publisher: Broadway Books
Publisher Place: New York
Publisher Year: 2006
Edition: First Edition

Description: 358 pages. Book and Jacket appear to have hardly been read and are both in Fine condition throughout.

Publishers Description: For eighteen years Viesturs pursued climbings holy grail: to stand atop the worlds fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, without the aid of bottled oxygen. As he recounts his most harrowing climbs, he reveals a man torn between the safe world he and his loved ones share and the majestic and deadly places where only he can go. A cautious climber who once turned back 300 feet from the top of Everest, but who would not shrink from a peak (Annapurna) known to claim the life of one climber for every two who reached its summit, Viesturs has an unyielding motto, "Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory." It is with this philosophy in mind that he vividly describes fatal errors in judgment made by his fellow climbers as well as a few of his own close calls and gallant rescues.--From publisher description.A veteran mountaineer recalls some of his most dangerous climbs as he pursued the goal of reaching the summit of the worlds fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, discussing some of his own close calls and rescues, and errors in judgment on the part of fellow climbers. Industry Reviews "Ed Viesturs is not merely one of our strongest mountaineers; hes also one of the most remarkable. Hes demonstrated that its possible to climb the worlds highest peaks without taking reckless chances, and without sacrificing ones honor or integrity. He has never hesitated to help other climbers in need, even when it meant putting himself in danger or sacrificing his own opportunity to achieve a summit. Ed, simply put, is a genuine American hero." --Jon Krakauer"From the drama of the peaks, to the struggle of making a living as a professional climber, to the basic how-tos of life at 26,000 feet, "No Shortcuts to the Top" is fascinating reading."--Aron Ralston, author of "Between a Rock and a Hard Place""Ed Viesturs--the first American to climb all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks without bottled oxygen--is an animal. A human animal blessed with enormous strength balanced by intelligence, honesty, and a heart of gold. And besides, HE IS A NICE GUY.This is a great read for those of us who climb, those who want to learn to climb and live to tell about it, and those who like great adventures." --Jim Whittaker, first American to climb Mount Everest"Ed Viesturs was an inspiration to me personally and to the Seahawks team in 2005. I highly recommend reading this account of one of Americas heroes." --Mike Holmgren, coach of the Seattle Seahawks

ISBN: 9780767924702