Conquistadors of the Useless - by Lionel Terray (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"If my library was to somehow catch fire and I could only save one book, the long out of print Conquistadors of the Useless, by Lionel Terray, would be it." -- Explore magazine

"The finest mountaineering narrative ever written." -- David Roberts, author of Mountain of My Fear

* One of National Geographic Adventure's "100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time"
* The story of ground-breaking climbs told with insight and wit
* A mountaineering classic brought back into print

Frenchman Lionel Terray is one of mountaineering history's greatest alpinists, and his autobiography, Conquistadors of the Useless, stands among the "100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time", according to National Geographic Adventure magazine. Following World War II, when France desperately needed successes to heal its wounds, Terray emerged as a national hero, conquering summits atop the planet's highest mountains.

This biography of Lionel Terry is filled with first-time feats and acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable odds. He climbed with legends such as Maurice Herzog, Gaston Rebuffat, and Louis Lachenal. He made first ascents in the Alps, Alaska, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Terray's gripping story captures the energy of an optimistic world shaking off the restraints of war and austerity. It's a mountaineering classic.

Review Quotes

If my library was to somehow catch fire and I could save one book, the long out of print Conquistadors of the Useless, by Lionel Terray, would be it. The great news for readers is that this classic book has finally been reissued by The Mountaineers...[Terray] is someone you will wish you had a chance to know and learn from -- about nature, the mountains and the human spirit. Since he is no longer with us, this book is all that we have. And that is why this reissue is so welcome.--William Buxton "Explore Magazine "

One of my favorite books of all time... It's a trove of adventure and humor.--Francis Sanzaro "Rock and Ice Magazine "