Geography, geology, history, and culture weave together in an eloquent narrative that stands as a foundation for many contributions, both archival and contemporary, representing the varied facets of the mountain and its meaning. From its geological formation to the sherpas of Nepal, who have lived on its slopes so long its demands have influenced their genetics; from the challenges Everest presents for the most seasoned of climbers to the commercialization of treks and controversies surrounding them; and including the future of this mountain, already showing the impact of global warming in shrinking glaciers, depleted watersheds, and changing weather patterns--the story is epic, global in interest, and ever-changing, even though the mountain stands eternal above us all.
Archival maps and photographs plus the best images National Geographic photographers have taken of Everest combine with authoritative text to make this a book worthy of the mountain itself; the latest geographical knowledge is compiled on a new map, never before published.
Central to the book is world-renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, who has climbed Everest at least four times and leads the legacy expedition. With him on the journey will be National Geographic adventure journalist Mark Jenkins, who contributes a key first-person chapter about the experience of climbing Mount Everest. Photographer Cory Richards--triple Banff film festival award winner with his short moutaineering film, Cold, in 2011--brings back photos from the summit that will add to the remarkable National Geographic archive also featured in this book.
Thomas Hornbein, one of the few surviving members of the original 1963 American Everest expedition, wrote the Foreword. Interspersed throughout are guest essays by others who know Everest well, including Bruce Johnson, Mayo Clinic physician, specialist in body responses to extremes and a member of the 2012 climb team; Alton Byers, National Geographic grantee from the Mountain Institute, specialist in climate change at high altitudes; Broughton Coburn, author and expert on Himalayan culture; David Breashears, Everest climber and author. At the heart of the narrative is Mark Jenkins's first-person account of the experience of being on the mountain today.
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