The ultimate classic mountaineering literature, The White Spider, follows Heinrich Harrer and team of three up the notorious North Face of the Eiger, leading to their successful first ascent. Here at AKHQ, 80% of the climbers have read this book and all state, excitedly that it is a 'must read'. Harrer's intimate knowledge of the Eiger, that comes only from first hand experience, gives The White Spider a gripping and evocative account of what it takes to accomplish such a remarkable and historical ascent. The physical daring and mental resiliance required to succeed in such a legendary expedition gives great insight into the mind of a mountianeer and the soul of a mountain- an essential read for any climber, mountaineer or anyone with an interest in the astonishing capacity of human spirirt and fortitude. Not only does The White Spider cover Harrer's ascent, but it also details every significant attempt from the first attempt in 1932 to the many successes and failures of the 1960s. Harrer's intriguing depitction of these attempts gives you the feeling that you have walked every foot of snow and hung on every icy inch of rock with these inspiring climbers. The White Spider provides the classic statement of the weird and frequently misunderstood psychology of the modern rock-climber. Despite the grimness of much of what he is doing, Harrer communicates the irresistable joy of climbing. - Sunday Times This reissue of The White Spider includes an introduction by Joe Simpson, author of Touching the Void plus extra insights and interviews.
