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		Hornbein was part of the first American expedition to Everest in 
		the 1960s and, together with Willi Unsoeld, was the first to climb 
		Everest by the west route. 
		This book 
		provides insight into the minds, drives, and cultural attitudes of the 
		mountaineers who "opened" Everest. 
		While the style is direct and spare, the 
		personalities of the climbers do come off the page. There are times in 
		the book where Hornbein's stoic style could use some lightening up but 
		overall 
		this book 
		is well worth the read.  |  |