The Ascent of Everest, John Hunt
"This is the story of how, on 29th May, 1953, two men, both endowed with outstanding stamina and skill, inspired by an unflinching resolve, reached the top of Everest and came back unscathed to rejoin their comrades."
"Yet this will not be the whole story, for the ascent of Everest was not the work of one day, nor even of those few anxious, unforgettable weeks in which we prepared and climbed this summer. It is, in fact, a tale of sustained and tenacious endeavour by many, over a long period of time... We of the 1953 Everest Expedition are proud to share the glory with our predecessors."
"And this will not be the story of those two men alone. In this or any other mountain venture, sound and successful climbing is fundamentally a matter of teamwork... The ascent of Everest, perhaps more than most human ventures, demanded a very high degree of selfless cooperation. It would be difficult to find a more close-knit team than ours. In this, and in the work of our Sherpas, lies the immediate secret of our success."
"Was it worth while? For us who took part in the venture, it was so beyond doubt. We have shared a high endeavour; we have witnessed scenes of beauty and grandeur; we have built up a lasting comradeship among ourselves and we have seen the fruits of that comradeship ripen into achievement. We shall not forget those moments of great living upon that mountain."
"And what of others? Was it worth while for them too? I believe it may have been, if it is accepted that there is a need for adventure in the world we live in and provided, too, that it is realized that adventure can be found in many spheres, not merely upon a mountain, and not necessarily physical. Ultimately, the justification for climbing Everest, if any justification is needed, will lie in the seeking of their 'Everests' by others, stimulated by this event as we were inspired by others before us.
"There are many opportunities for adventure, whether they be sought among the hills, in the air, upon the sea, in the bowels of the earth, or on the ocean bed; and there is always the moon to reach. There is no height, no depth, that the spirit, guided by a higher spirit, cannot attain"
Details
- Hardcover met stof-omslag (goed & beschermt)
- First Edition, Second impression December 1953
- Condition: Acceptable, name on first page, no notes/stamps
- Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul
