The Great Himalayan Ascents

Frank S. Smythe (1900-1949) was one of the greatest mountaineers of the

twentieth century, and a celebrated memoirist and adventure writer. This

collection brings together three accounts of Smythe's most thrilling ascents in

the Himalayas-The Kangchenjunga Adventure, Kamet Conquered and Camp Six.

The Kangchenjunga Adventure narrates in detail the 1930 expedition to

climb the third-highest mountain in the world: how Smythe, as part of

an international team of mountaineers, attempts to reach the summit of

Kangchenjunga, before a deadly avalanche-which kills one of the Sherpas-

forces them to change course and scale the Jonsong Peak instead. In Kamet

Conquered, Smythe makes a successful bid at ascending Mount Kamet in 1931,

which was at that time still unscaled. On their way back, Smythe and his

team chance upon the spectacular and colourful Bhyundar Valley, which they

christen the 'Valley of Flowers', and which is now a National Park. Camp Six

recounts a gripping adventure on the world's highest mountain-the 1933

Everest Expedition, in which Smythe, climbing alone, ascends to a point

higher than any human had reached before. Made without ropes or oxygen to

support him, and in terrible snow conditions, the climb is regarded as one of

the greatest endeavours in the history of mountaineering.

This majestic omnibus edition offers a fascinating window into early

mountain climbing and Himalayan exploration. It is also a rare treat for every

lover of fine, entertaining writing.