Himalayan Quest: Ed Viesturs on the 8000-Meter Giants

by Peter Potterfield and Ed Viesturs

Book Overview

"I am a Climber, and an Incidental Photographer," writes Ed Viesturs at the start of this stunning expedition to the highest peaks on Earth -- but as the pages that follow prove again and again, his photographs offer a vivid and unique record of a world where few people and fewer cameras ever go. There are fourteen summits on the planet higher than 8,000 meters, and Ed Viesturs has stood on twelve of them, on some more than once. What's more, he's...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792241657
• ISBN13: 9780792241652
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: National Geographic Society
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Himalayan Quest

Ed Viesturs is one of the world's leading mountaineers. His adventures have taken him to the worlds 14 tallest peaks. Along the way, he has captured the spirit of these places with his camera. Ed's pictures really make you feel like you're experiencing the high himalaya for yourself. The pictures he takes not only expresses the natural beauty of these places, but it reveals the soul these places posess as well. Cultural and social identity is not overlooked in Mr. Viesturs work. This is truly a collection that anyone can enjoy, not just the climbing community. I highly recommend it!

Top of the world

Ed Viesturs has packed this book with magnificent photos of Himalayan mountains, particularly the peaks over 8,000 meters. His goal is to climb all of those peaks and to do it without auxiliary oxygen. Since the publication of this book, he has accomplished his goal. Mr. Viesturs is clearly a magnificent climber and Himalayan Quest gives you an extremely good idea of the ground he covered and the types of obstacles he had to overcome. Only a very few people in the world could have done what he has done. If you like spectacular mountain pictures, this is a book for you. If you are more interested in detailed descriptions of his climbs, read this book and move on to his new book No Shortcuts to the Top.

Great insight and pics

If you want to see how one man, one very accomplished man, has handled 8000 meter peaks this book reveals his insight and some amazing pics. For a non-pro camera man, he's really great.

Getting to Know a Very Brave Man

This was my first exposure to a brave and very wise man, Ed Viesturs. I received the book autographed, which was a pleasant surprise. The book's revealing look at many aspects of climbing, interwoven with a story line and photos, made for a cohesively pleasant read. The combination of good writing, descriptions, and photography makes me pick up the book at random intervals to read and look again and again. I normally don't rate items five stars, but this is an exception. Without doubt, a valued book.

WOW!! ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

This is an incredible book. I finished reading it in 24hrs..I couldn't put it down. Its about Ed Viesturs journey climbing the worlds 14 highest summits..in his own words. Just incredible! The way the book is written its like Ed's right there sitting next to you ..telling you about his adventures. (very personable)The photography is just unbelievable..The way these climbers pack camera equipment and climb is beyond my comprehension. The photo of the climber "riding the ridge" Shishapangma..(pg 143) is jaw dropping! I recommend reading this book!! Its a keeper!!