To the Top of the World: Alpine Challenges in the Himalaya and Karakoram

As one of the greatest mountaineers of all time, Reinhold Messner is renowned for his quest for ever-fresh challenges in which he seeks to test his abilities and strengths to their limits. This book-the first US edition-is drawn from a selection of Messner's most powerful writing. It includes gripping accounts of his epic solo ascent of Everest without supplemental oxygen; his tragic expedition on Manaslu's South Face; and his experiences on Gasherbrum, Nanga Parbat, and K2. Fully illustrated with color photographs and illustrations, this volume represents a distillation of both the achievements and the personal philosophy of a pioneer in the modern era of mountaineering. Illustrated with color photographs, plus paintings by French artist Jean-Georges Inca.