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Dark Summit

The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season

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About this listen

 In early May 2006, a young British climber named David Sharp lay dying near the top of Mount Everest while forty other climbers walked past him on their way to the summit. A week later, Lincoln Hall, a seasoned Australian climber, was left for dead near the same spot. Hall's death was reported around the world, but the next day he was found alive after spending the night on the upper mountain with no food and no shelter.

If David Sharp's death was shocking, it was not singular: despite unusually good weather, ten others died attempting to reach the summit that year.

In this meticulous inquiry into what went wrong, Nick Heil tells the full story of the deadliest year on Everest since the infamous season of 1996. He introduces Russell Brice, the outfitter who has done more than anyone to provide access to the summit via the mountain's north side---and who some believe was partially responsible for Sharp's death. As more climbers attempt the summit each year, Heil shows how increasingly risky expeditions and unscrupulous outfitters threaten to turn Everest into a deadly circus.

Written by an experienced climber and outdoor writer, Dark Summit is both a riveting account of a notorious climbing season and a troubling investigation into whether the pursuit of the ultimate mountaineering prize has spiraled out of control.

©2008 Nick Heil (P)2008 Tantor Adventure Travel Climbing & Mountaineering Ecosystems & Habitats Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Adventure Extreme Sports

Critic reviews

"Here is humanity itself, personified in exemplary fashion by Nick Heil, addressing the Everest culture's lack of compassion and coming up with the right answers." (Bob Shacochis, author of The Immaculate Invasion)
Through rock-solid reporting and vital prose, Heil leads us up into this rarefied world, step by hypoxic step." (Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers)
All stars
Most relevant
One of the best books I've listened to!



Such an interesting book.



Very well written!



Kept me on the edge og my seat!

Simply Brilliant!

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Where does Dark Summit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Up there with the best.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dark Summit?

A climber frozen solid in a sitting position. But still (just) alive.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me gasp. At the death and darkness that shrouds Everest.

Any additional comments?

In photographs, Everest looks like a great place to climb a little and stand in glorious blue sky at its summit, posing for a photo. Something anyone can do. This book turned my naive view on its head - in graphic and devastating detail.

Why does anyone do it?

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really fast paced informative and very interesting. I thought it was very well written and read. highly recommended

gripping

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I found the first few chapters a bit verbose but by chapter five the reason for all the names and introductions becomes clear. Having a better idea of the people involved, their background and motivation makes the events that followed more human and relatable.
An interesting informative breakdown of events I’d heard of previously only via the mainstream media. One I’m likely to listen to again.

Enjoyable and interesting book

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Great book, the reader sounds a little automated which took some getting used to. I ended up changing the play back speed to a little slower which helped

Great book, the reader sounds a little automated

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