On Top Of The World
On Top of the World is a definitive, large‑format mountaineering history chronicling the dramatic first ascents of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000 meters — the legendary “eight‑thousanders.” Richard Sale traces the Golden Age of high‑altitude climbing, beginning with the first successful 8,000‑meter summit in 1950 and continuing through the decade when all but one of these deadly giants were conquered.
The book explores the extreme realities of the death zone, where oxygen is so limited that even a well‑fed, warm climber will die within hours or days. It details how early climbers relied on supplementary oxygen, while modern mountaineers routinely attempt these peaks without it — increasing both the danger and the achievement.
Sale highlights the monumental accomplishment of Reinhold Messner, the first person to climb all 14 eight‑thousanders, a feat that took him 16 years and remains one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering history. Only a handful of climbers have matched it since.
Blending historical accounts, climbing narratives, and technological evolution, On Top of the World captures the heroism, risk, and relentless drive behind humanity’s push to the highest points on Earth. It’s an essential volume for collectors of mountaineering literature, adventure history, and high‑altitude exploration.
- In Stock Out of Stock
- Collins Willow
- 9780007103744
- January 1, 2000
- Stock Photo
- 228
- L 28.0cm x W 22.2cm x H 1.7cm
Book Condition Notes
New: A brand-new, unused, unread copy in perfect condition.
Like New: A copy that looks unread and in perfect condition. Dust jacket is intact, with no nicks or tears. The spine has no signs of creasing. Pages are clean and are do not have any notes or folds of any kind. May have a remainder mark. (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Very Good: A copy that has been read but is in great condition. May have slight cosmetic defects such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes on the cover, pages, spine and dust jacket if applicable. Pages and dust cover (if applicable) are intact and do not have any notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Good: A copy that has been read but in clean condition. The spine, cover, pages and dust jacket (if applicable) may show signs of wear such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes. Pages and dust cover (if applicable) are intact and do not have any notes or highlighting. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Acceptable: All pages are intact; the cover is intact. The spine, cover, pages and dust jacket (if applicable) may show signs of considerable wear such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes. Pages can include limited notes in pen or in highlighter, but the notes do not obscure the text. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).