Sir Edmund Hillary : An Extraordinary Life The Authorised, Illustrated Biography

Description

Around the world Sir Edmund Hillary is a legendary figure - climber, bold adventurer, practical philanthropist and one of the most widely respected persons of our time. He has survived extremes of human experience - from historic triumphs to crushing personal loss ? but he sees himself as an ordinary man, persistent rather than heroic. This lavishly illustrated book focuses on the highlights of his life, including: Conquering Everest; Journeying to the South Pole by tractor; Himalayan adventures; Philanthropist to the Sherpa people. This beautiful book is profusely illustrated, using fascinating material, such as letters, cards, diary pages, and ephemera, from his personal archive. It is a magnificent tribute to one of the greatest climbers and explorers of all time.

Awards

Winner of Spectrum Print Book Design Awards: Best Cover 2006. Shortlisted for Montana New Zealand Book Awards: Biography Category 2006.

Author description

Alexa Johnston was curator of the Sir Edmund Hillary: Everest and Beyond exhibition for the Auckland Museum, the Explorers Hall at the National Geographic Museum, Washington DC and Otago Museum, Dunedin. She was principal curator at Auckland Art Gallery from 1990â 97 and now works as a freelance curator. Alexa has a close bond of friendship and trust with Sir Edmund.

Table of contents

Prologue; Born in New Zealand; Touch of Soil and Wind and Rock; To the Delectable Mountains; The Tallest Peak; After the Climb; To the Ice-fields; To the Pole; Scientists and Yetis; Makalu, Goddess of Destruction; Schoolhouse in the Clouds; The Burra Sahib; For Ever to Deplore Her Loss; Nothing Venture, Nothing Win; A New Day in View; Epilogue; Appendix; Acknowledgements; References; Index