One Mountain Thousand Summits: The Untold Story of Tragedy and True Heroism on K2

by Freddie Wilkinson

Book Overview

The account of one of the deadliest and most mysterious tragedies in mountaineering history-the 2008 K2 disaster. One Mountain Thousand Summits reveals the true story of the K2 tragedy that claimed the lives of eleven men. Based on his numerous trips to Nepal and in-depth interviews he conducted with the survivors, the families of the lost climbers, and the Sherpa guides whose heroic efforts saved the lives of at least four climbers, Freddie Wilkinson's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045123331X
• ISBN13: 9780451233318
• Release Date: July 2011
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Exciting adventure

This book is well researched and well written. Beautifully edited. I never thought a route descripition would be as exciting as this one was. Any rock climber would be as fascinated as I was. I read it cover to cover on a ten and a half hour drive from Reno to San Diego and back (no I wasn't driving) and it kept my attention rivited the entire way.

finally

Finally, a mountain climbing adventure book willing to take a close and unflinching look at the racial dynamics and cultural mishaps of guided and professional climbing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book -- even when it made me feel uncomfortable. There is less raw angst here than in "Into Thin Air." Wilkinson's role is clear as a knowledgeable researcher and writer. He isn't confused about his own role, and yet he doesn't pretend he's not part of this community as well. It's a skillful navigation. Excellent read -- will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Wilkinson Nails It.

I will be entirely honest, I picked up this book with a hint of skepticism in my brow. I love the mountains but I have never loved climbing literature. This book not only tells the compelling story of the 2008 tragedy on K2 but it boldly explores the multidimensional worlds of climbing, international relations and the media. Wilkinson does a magnificent job of gracefully transitioning between thoughtful explanations of elaborate climbing scenarios and carefully detailing the relationships, infrastructure and social constructs that have grown from the pursuit of big mountain climbing. If you lust after high altitude adventure...If you are curious about the economic impact of tourism in third world nations...If you have ever found yourself in a unique leadership position this book will resonate with you. Lastly, I encourage you to read slowly and look for the flashes of "pure Freddie" scattered throughout the book. Mr. Wilkinson's humor and zest for life are presence in terrific one liners throughout the novel. BUY THIS BOOK!

Great story, unique perspectives

This book kept me up for five nights in a row. It explores perspectives that are seldom discussed in the 8,000 meter peak climbing world -- those of the porters and Sherpas -- but it does it honestly, not through rose colored glasses. It makes clear the ridiculousness of the atmosphere surrounding high altitude mountaineering, extreme peak bagging and the media that follow it. And it is written from a climber's perspective, and Wilkinson asks questions only a climber would ask, but he breaks things down so any armchair mountaineer can understand the nuances. If you like adventure buy this book; you won't be disappointed.

An accomplished alpine climber's inteligent perspective on a tragic mountaineering event

Freddie Wilkinson's personal alpine climbing and mountaineering experience add a layer of credibility, understanding and explanation to this perspective of one of mountaineering's deadliest moments. Told from an inclusive background with interviews from sources both Sherpa and Western, it gives the full perspective. Must read.