Everest

About this book

Everest is the RGS' only official publication on the expedition in 2013, marking the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent. It contains the largest assemblage of images ever published in a book solely about the 1953 Mount Everest Expedition.

It features over 250 unique photographs, hand-picked by the RGS' own collections staff. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest on 29th May, 1953, by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Ammonite Press, in association with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), presents a lavish photographic record of this historic event.

The Earth's highest mountain, with a peak 8848m (29,029ft) above sea level, located in the Himalayas between Nepal and China, has long been a lure for mountaineers and explorers. The dangers of altitude sickness, adverse weather conditions and ferocious winds make the peak tantalisingly difficult to attain. The ninth British expedition, led by John Hunt, made two attempts in 1953. The first climbing pair came to within 100m (300ft) of the summit on 26th May, but were forced to turn back after experiencing oxygen problems.

Two days later New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, a Nepali Sherpa, made a second assault, reaching the summit at 11:30am on 29th May via the South Col Route. The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s extensive archives contain an astonishingly detailed and intimate record of the landmark 1953 expedition, with many fascinating and beautiful images captured by the photographers who accompanied the climbing team. This is the first time the RGS has worked in association with a publisher to produce a photographic art book on the subject.

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