TITLE: The Ascent of Everest
AUTHOR: John Hunt
PUBLISHER: Hodder and Stoughton
PLACE: London
YEAR: 1953
EDITION: First
NO.OF PAGES: xx + 300 pages including 71 black-and-white and 8 colour photographs, 4 maps, sketches, 9 appendices, glossary, and index
BINDING: Original blue cloth covers with gilt text at the spine
SIZE:
Height: 22.8 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 3.2 cm
SIGNED BY SHERPA TENZING AND JOHN HUNT IN NAVY BLUE PEN ON THE FIRST BLANK PAGE
With tipped-in postal slip commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the first ascent of Everest, hand-signed by John Hunt and Sherpa Tenzing next to the logo. This commemorative item measures 137mm x 87mm and has a 25th Anniversary logo (Mt Everest image) printed in maroon on the front and a 7 Pence postage stamp in maroon on the upper corner.
Lord John Hunt was a British army officer and is best known for leading the expedition to Everest in which Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the mountain's summit for the first time in recorded history. As a child, Hunt spent much of his time in the Alps, where he started developing his mountaineering skills. He continued climbing throughout adulthood, and when, in 1931, his military regiment was posted to India, he began climbing various parts of the Himalayas. After WWII, in which Hunt achieved the rank of Colonel, he was chosen to lead the Everest expedition on account of his military leadership skills as well as his proven abilities at climbing. In later life, he became the first Director of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, and in 1966 he was awarded life peerage for his work with young people.
Sidar Tenzing Norgay was a Sherpa mountaineer born in Nepal. He climbed Everest alongside Hillary, and they reached the summit together on 29 May 29, 1953, at 11.30am. Earlier on in the expedition to Everest's summit, Norgay saved Hillary from a near-miss when he fell into a crevasse - Norgay's quick thinking secured Hillary's rope, thus preventing him from hitting the bottom. As a result, Hillary made Norgay his climbing partner of choice for the final ascent.
CONDITION:
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.
The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectable, dating from the 19th century onwards. The technology and material for printing and binding books have evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books have also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.
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