A good history of the conquering of K2, probably interesting for research, but it lacked the detail and excitement for a "lay" reader such as myself!


An unusual but very informative mountaineering book.   May 9, 2000
It is unusual for mountain books to concentrate on a mountain. Most follow expeditions. However Jim Curran's book follows the history of K2 from its first sighting by a Westerner through to the disasters of 1996.

He gives enough details about the expeditions to leave you in no doubt why they triumphed or failed without getting bogged down in the internal politics.

A very enteraining and sensitive read.


A thorough summary of attempts on K2........   February 18, 2000
This is a very good piece of work that should be read by anybody contemplating an attempt on any major peak. History is shown to repeat itself and although this is an often used cliche, it is surprising how often we ignore past events as irrelevant to us. One thing that the author does get across very well is how K2 becomes a fixation with those attempting to summit it. It is noteworthy that this fixation often ends in tragedy. This book provides an interesting overview of the 'discovery' of K2 and of early efforts to scale it. The pre-war efforts were, like those on Everest and elsewhere, real pioneering and brave attempts, made without today's specilaist clothing and equipments, etc. Major events such as the first summit and attempts at new routes are well documenetd here and the author does well by staying above the word-slanging that has often followed failed attempts. Having said that, his opinion, offered when he has first hand knowledge of certain events, is welcome and seemingly impartial. All in all, this is a riveting read and is recommended to anyone who has an interest in climbing, adventure or any area where people attempt to overcome almost impossible odds.


Read This!   September 21, 1999
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

From the early US lead expeditions to Alison Hargreaves' death in 1995 K2 merits its title of the Savage Mountain.

When the weather breaks even climbers of the skill and experience of Hargreaves and Al Rouse get caught out. You've as more chance being rescued from the moon.

Curran's is the definitive account of the triumphs and tragedies of the real Everest of 8000m peaks.