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Everest - The First Ascent by Harriet Tuckey

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Everest - The First Ascent

Publisher
Random House
Publish Date
23 May 2013
Run Time
14 hours 36 minutes
Format
Audiobook

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.


WINNER OF THE OUTSTANDING GENERAL SPORTS WRITING AWARD, BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS

WINNER OF THE BOARDMAN TASKER PRIZE


WINNER OF THE MOUNTAIN & WILDERNESS PRIZE, BANFF FESTIVAL

WINNER OF THE TONY LOTHIAN AWARD, BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB


For the first time, drawing upon previously unseen diaries and letters, rare archive material and interviews, Everest - The First Ascent tells the remarkable story of Griffith Pugh, the forgotten team member whose scientific breakthroughs ensured the world's highest mountain could be climbed. A doctor and physiologist, Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering, transforming the climbers' attitude to oxygen, the clothes they wore, their equipment, fluid intake and acclimatisation.

Yet, far from receiving the acclaim he was due, he was met with suspicion and ridicule. His scientific contributions were, quite simply, at odds with old-fashioned notions of derring-do and the gentlemanly amateurism that dogged the sport.

Later in his career, his impact in helping athletes enhance their performance lasts to this day in the fields of cycling, swimming and running.

This insightful biography shows Pugh to be troubled, abrasive, yet brilliant. Eight years in the writing, closely researched, and told with unflinching honesty by Pugh's daughter, Harriet Tuckey, Everest - The First Ascent is the compelling portrait of an unlikely hero.


© Harriett Tuckey 2013 (P) Penguin Audio 2013

Critics Review

  • Shines an entirely new light on the great expedition - a riveting read, full of surprises

    Sir Chris Bonington

  • A most remarkable work about a perfectly extraordinary man. I much admire it.

    Jan Morris

  • The most important addition to the story of Everest.

    Doug Scott

User Reviews

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Details

Author
Harriet Tuckey
Narrator
Sandra Duncan
Duration
14 hours 36 minutes
Release Date
23 May 2013
ISBN
9781448179725
Format
Audiobook
Publisher
Random House
Genre
Biography: general, Climbing and mountaineering

Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.WINNER OF THE OUTSTANDING GENERAL SPORTS WRITING AWARD, BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDSWINNER OF THE BOARDMAN TASKER PRIZEWINNER OF THE MOUNTAIN & WILDERNESS PRIZE, BANFF FESTIVALWINNER OF THE TONY LOTHIAN AWARD, BIOGRAPHERS' CLUBFor the first time, drawing upon previously unseen diaries and letters, rare archive material and interviews, Everest - The First Ascent tells the remarkable story of Griffith Pugh, the forgotten team member whose scientific breakthroughs ensured the world's highest mountain could be climbed. A doctor and physiologist, Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering, transforming the climbers' attitude to oxygen, the clothes they wore, their equipment, fluid intake and acclimatisation.Yet, far from receiving the acclaim he was due, he was met with suspicion and ridicule. His scientific contributions were, quite simply, at odds with old-fashioned notions of derring-do and the gentlemanly amateurism that dogged the sport.Later in his career, his impact in helping athletes enhance their performance lasts to this day in the fields of cycling, swimming and running.This insightful biography shows Pugh to be troubled, abrasive, yet brilliant. Eight years in the writing, closely researched, and told with unflinching honesty by Pugh's daughter, Harriet Tuckey, Everest - The First Ascent is the compelling portrait of an unlikely hero.© Harriett Tuckey 2013 (P) Penguin Audio 2013

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