This collection of four books (two books from each author) describes the
mental and physical progression
of these two climbers as they climbed ever more difficult peaks. In particular,
The Shining Mountain is a great story that demonstrates the complete
commitment and determination of two guys who had virtually no support on a shoestring
budget who climb a 23,000 foot mountain with sheer rock walls over a route
that no one has ever done before. While their story ends tragically with their
death on an attempt of Mt. Everest, they shared a spirit and camaraderie that
was virtually unique.
Boardman and Tasker are linked together through the formation of the Boardman-Tasker
Memorial Award for Mountain Literature. I maintain a
complete list of the award
winners and finalists. I highly recommend this book; it is one of the books that
rekindled my interest across the category of climbing books.