Everest: Mountain Without Mercy [B2010]

1997 HC National Geographic Society special gilt-edged edition (12-9.25-inches), in gift-worthy condition. The New York Times bestselling true story of how an intrepid film crew became a heroic rescue team during the disastrous 1996 climbing season - featuring scores of never-before-published images, including the first taken from the top of the world in the spectacular IMAX format. Led by IMAX filmmaker David Breashears, a rugged crew of climbers and photographers hoisted equipment--including an IMAX camera--to the top of the world. But then a freak storm swept the mountain, claiming eight lives, including two world-class guides, and the venture turned into a life-or-death rescue mission. The group did what they could to save lives--and came back with a story like no other. The terror and triumph of May 1996 will go down in infamy. Made famous by Jon Krakauer's bestseller Into Thin Air and recounted in David Breashears's IMAX film, the narrative is relayed here in a gripping volume from National Geographic. Written in suspenseful detail, the book documents how a courageous photographic team, facing hazards of their own, became an essential part of an effort that brought some--but not all--of their companions down from the mountain alive.

From Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Excellent book is about the IMAX team, their preparations and motivations for climbing and filming Mt. Everest that fateful year. There are stunning photos of the mountain, but the main draw for me was the behind-the-scenes stories involving climbers on the IMAX team. I have much admiration for their selfless actions during the 1996 Everest tragedy."; "With two renowned reporters and a documentary film crew on hand, the 1996 disaster on Everest was a well documented disaster as well as a tragic one. I especially appreciated getting more focus on the people of Nepal, their culture, politics, region and history, and how they feel about what is happening to Everest, experiencing that classic love-hate relationship with tourism economics."; "The combination of stunning photography and excellent writing make this a must have book for Everest aficionados."