The Crystal Horizon: Everest-The First Solo Ascent

Honestly, it couldn't hold my attention. Too much side-tracking on the history of Tibet and his own philosophy, which I already knew enough about. I guess I wanted the story to focus on a very serious endeavor, and didn't get too much of that - having to force myself to read further. After reading more than 20 stories of high-altitude mountaineers and amazing stories of survival - some great, some at least better than average - Crystal Horizon was by far the most boring. Messner's writing was fine, but the story was not that eventful or captivating. I would never deride Messner - he is an amazing person, conceited or not - so I never read it as an expose on his ego like other reviewers have, maybe he was just so good and lucky, he was not capable of making serious errors in judgement? For those who really enjoy Messner, I won't tell you to disregard it; for the rest of us arm-chair high-altitude mountaineers - unless you are running out of good material on the subject, don't waste your money. From what I've read thus far, Ed Viesturs is far more reliable, interesting and exciting - for those of us who are waiting around for the next epic disaster in the death zone to be written about, Viesturs can satisfy your boredom.

An outstanding book, about probably the most incredible Himalayan ascent of any 8000+ meter peak. Climbing Mt. Everest solo without ANY support from Sherpas or any other climbers, with an unheard-of 4-person 'expedition' (only with his girlfriend, a mandated Chinese military 'liaison officer', and a translator), no 'fixed ropes', no bottled oxygen. Not only that, he ventured forth in the 'monsoon' of summer when other climbers fear to tread the high mountains of that region. The achievement in itself is a worthy read, but Messner is a sensitive and philosophical person, who engages with the cultures and people en route, and ably shares all of that with us as well. Messner is not only the finest high-altitude mountaineer in history, he is also fabulous writer, and the translation from the original German (he is Austrian, from the Tyrolean Alps) is faithful to his style and nature. I have a very large collection of mountaineering books, and this at or near the top. Not because of an epic survival (like Touching The Void), or epic disaster (Into Thin Air) but because of an epic vision carried to completion, against impossible odds, and wise perspectives on things other than just the mountain.

Everest is a household name and has been for a long time all over the world. I was very impressed with this book. I learned more about Tibet, its people, religion and history than you will ever be taught in a western school. This book is full of fantastic photos of this region and its people. The logistics of this feat and polotics of dealing with the Chinese as well as the cost amazed me. His trip was difficult before he ever began the trek to the mountain itself. This mountain is constantly assaulted by huge (and well financed) expeditions mostly from the southern (easier) route. This book follows Messner on the north side of the mountain which is a more difficult route. It takes more than freakish genetics, an insane no quit attitude, and the mental toughness to deal with doing this totally alone. You have to luck into good weather. Messner left a female companion at a camp of 6500 meters (enough to kill most mortals in itself) and took his all his provisions on his back. Carrying a mere 10 lbs at this altitude would be the equivalent of hiking 15 miles over unstable terrain with a fat girl on your back breathing through a straw. No ropes, no Sherpa support, no radio, no crevasse ladders, and no help if he got into trouble. And he pulled this off. Messner is one of the toughest human beings I have ever seen.

Messner really could have benefited from a firm editor, but the dude climbed Everest alone post-monsoon without Os so who was going to correct him really?

This ought to be a great book. The first man to climb Everest without oxygen from the North at the height of the monsoon season. Messner was about to do solo, without any form of support whatsoever beyond advanced base camp.But it's not as exciting as it sounds. If you want to finish this book without falling asleep or giving up halfway, you'd need to do a lot of skipping. Messner bores us with too many details, quoting chunks from publications, his mother and his girlfriends. It's really very badly edited and there are way too many "subplots" that only serve to disrupt the reader's flow of thoughts.Skip through all the boring stuff, concentrate on his actual description of the climb, how he arrived at the conclusion that Mallory never reached the summit while climbing between the First and Second Step and how he finally struggled his way to the misty summit. It's actually quite a good read, but leave the rest of the story out.

Best book I have ever read without doubt. Takes you completely into the journey and makes you feel very much part of the achievement. His writing style can be stilted but just a must have for any armchair or real adventurer's bookshelf.

Rapid service for a quality product.

The quality of the book is good.Got it very fest. And I like it!

For someone who does not like heights I am enthralled by the skill ,dedication & extreme courage of these men & women who put themselves in mortal danger most of the time. This wonderful book , without pretence or glorification gets to the heart of what drives “ moutaineers’ “ on. It is beautifully written & I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in climbing. Excellent !

This Everest solo expedition changed mountaineering forever

Messner provides proof of his outstanding physical abilities in his solo climb of Everest.

Messner raconte l'histoire des ascensions de l'Everest puis la sienne propre, un solo hivernal de la face nord, un de ses nombreux exploits, mais probablement le plus abouti. C'est un journal complet qui dépasse le simple cadre du récit d'alpinisme. Un livre très personnel dans lequel Messner développe aussi sa conception de l'alpinisme, contrairement à ce que l'on pourrait penser, très loin de l'alpinisme spectacle. Le livre fait une place de choix à son amie de l'époque qui l'a accompagné dans ses reconnaissances avancées. Le Tibet est aussi très présent dans l'ouvrage. C'est au total un luxe rare que de pouvoir partager ses expériences et ses sentiments et l'on doit le remercier de nous l'avoir permis.

Es un excelente libro, con muchas fotos y descripciones que te transportan a la montaña.