How to tie 35 climbing knots: step-by-step illustrations, easy-to-follow directions, when to use and not to use, and expert advice on selection and care of ropes.

    With clever wit, sharp observations, and insightful reflections, Child's writing covers the full spectrum of the mountaineering experience.Entertaining even to those who have never been above sea level, Child's stories reveal climbing's other face. His description of the daily habits of mountaineers on expedition (who don't bathe for months) is both disgusting and horrifyingly funny. A post-climb fiasco in the offices of petty Pakistani bureaucrats proves that not all epics take place on high mountain faces. Falling of a rock climb in front of his mother is an exercise in humility.Child takes up climbing controversy with the same keen insight. His investigation of Tomo Cesen's claimed first ascent of Lhotse's south wall is considered the definitive report on this controversial event. A hard look at the media frenzy around the death of Alison Hargreaves on K2 evolves into a brilliant, impassioned defense of a friend. He also speaks out on the money- and media-driven expeditions that now crowd Everest.But Child never preaches. Whether contrasting his clumsy performance with Lynn Hill's elegant moves on a climb in the remote mountains of Kyrgyzstan or reflecting upon artifacts (from crucifixes to pink flamingos) that decorate the world's highest peaks, he writes it as he sees it, with a dose of wit. A true insider, Greg Child draws us deep into the world of climbing but never denies its dark side.

    Everest. This wondrous large-format book, full of dramatic full-color spreads and in-depth text, takes armchair adventurers as well as experienced climbers to their heavens--the peaks of the 50 most awe-inspiring mountains in the world. Moving stories of staggering altitudes, the sheer will to survive and the quest for the summits inspire readers with the adventurer's spirit that has put mountain climbing at the height of its popularity. Organized geographically by continent, each chapter covers a different mountain: its history, physical characteristics, route descriptions and famous ascents. Excerpts from detailed accounts of legendary expeditions will thrill and shock readers including Jon Krakauer on the tragic 1996 season on Everest. Includes biographies of Sir Edmund Hillary, Stacy Allison, Chris Bonington and other noted climbers. From Mt. Everest and K2 in the Himalayas to Denali in Alaska, Mt. Rainier in Washington and Mt. Eiger in the Alps, mountains all over the world are captured in vivid color photos from expeditions new and old.