The White Spider

· HarperCollins UK
4.6
20 reviews
Ebook
336
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

A classic of mountaineering literature, this is the story of the harrowing first ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, the most legendary and terrifying climb in history.

Heinrich Harrer, author of ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ and one of the twentieth century’s greatest mountaineers, was part of the team that finally conquered the Eiger’s fearsome North Face in 1938. It was a landmark expedition that pitted the explorers against treacherous conditions and the limits of human endurance, and which many have since tried – and failed – to emulate.

Armed with an intimate knowledge that comes only from first-hand experience of climbing the Eiger, Harrer gives a gripping account of physical daring and mental resilience. A new introduction by Joe Simpson, author of ‘Touching the Void’, confirms the lasting relevance of this true adventure classic.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
20 reviews
Sharon Walker
October 10, 2019
If you love reading about man's incredible spirit and bravery this is the book for you. Do much tragedy juxtaposed with so much courage.
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Shenandoah Moose
November 27, 2014
An entertaining and well researched account of the many men and women who found mountaineering success, tragedy and humility on the iconic north face of The Eiger
2 people found this review helpful
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Alan Horton
January 13, 2013
Excellent description of the trials of Harrer and his companions on the Eiger. The history of the ascents of this mountain is fascinating.
1 person found this review helpful
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About the author

Heinrich Harrer was born in 1912 in Carinthia. His skiing prowess won him a place in the 1936 Austrian Olympic team. He was imprisoned by the British in India during the Second World War, but escaped and travelled to Tibet, a story he recounts in the classic Seven Years in Tibet. He died in 2006.

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