K2: The Story of the Savage Mountain

by Jim Curran

Book Overview

K2 is the world's second highest mountain, but its savage reputation is second to none. The loss of Alison Hargreaves and six companions in 1995 was a grim echo of the multiple deaths in 1986 and of earlier disasters which have become part of climbing legend. K2 has always attracted the greatest names in mountaineering. Wiessner, Houston, Bonatti, Diemberger and Bonington are among those whose lives have been permanently scarred by their experiences...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898864550
• ISBN13: 9780898864557
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Best book on an intriguing subject

Very balanced and interesting coverage of the history of K2 up to 1995. Curran is a climber but also a good writer. His detailed drawings of the mountain and its routes are invaluable. This book is a must-have.

A great description of a high dramas

As english is my second language (I'm from Quebec), I can't judge the deep quality of writing as others reviewers did. But I can confess that I was absolutely captivated by Curran's sharp but intimate description of K2 1986 fatal summer. His posture of total witness is the main fundation to this shacking book. Curran lived almost directly every event - and foremost disaster - that occured on the mountain at that time (Barrard death, the first climb of Magic line, Casarotto's last breath, Britain flop on the north-west ridge, Al Rouse and Kurt Diemberger stubborn persistence, the atrocious august storm on the shoulder which killed Tullis, Emitzer and co., etc.). Some corners may be fast taken, but most of the stories are describe with an unbelievable authenticity. I read it twice, and a third is on the way!

More than a book..a trip to the history and adventure

I've read many books about himalayas and k2 particularly, and this one shows in great way the whole story of the mountain, it shows how amazing was to finally discover a pass to reach its base camp after many years....and that's just the beginning.The rest is great.

A factual account of the mighty mountain

This book goes into great detail into how the mountain was first "discovered" and presents in a factual and unobtrusive way the major expeditions that have been mounted to the mountain. It outlines the differing tactics employed by each expedition and discusses the internal politics of some of the more famous expeditions. If you are the sort of person who loves the adventure of the mountains from your armchair, this is probably not the book for you. If however you feel drawn to this "mountain of mountains" and are fascinated about all the things that have made this mountain so difficult and exciting, this is your book.

A book about mountain, tragedy and people

This is an outstanding book for those who want to have a first understanding why K2 is such a challange and why it is called the Savage Mountain. It is an geographical and historical review of all the relevant facts about K2. But what makes this such a great book is the fact that as you begin to understand the "what's", "why's", "when's", and "where's" about K2, the book pictures a live portraid of a mountain, and the reader feels like K2 is almost like a live beeing. It is interesting how can one person admire, hate, love and respect a mountain like if it was another person.