Everest the First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain

Biographies & Memoirs

Tuckey, Harriet

Professionals & Academics

LYONS PRESS+

Winner: Banff Award for Mountain and Wilderness Literature The British Sportsbook Award for Outstanding General Sports Writing The Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature Finalist for the HW Fisher Biographer's Prize
Everest was not conquered by force of will alone. It required immense planning, research, and preparation. Dr. Griffith Pugh’s role in the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953 by Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norgay was absolutely pivotal, yet this story has until now remained untold. As the expedition’s physiological consultant, Pugh designed almost every aspect of the survival strategy for the expedition, the acclimatisation programme, the oxygen- and fluid-intake regime, the diet, the clothing and the high altitude boots. A spirit of gentleman-amateurism had prevailed previously and this new scientific professionalism ensured the success of the expedition and opened the way for a stunning stream of mountaineering successes. Within five years climbers had scaled nearly all of the world’s highest peaks in relative safety. Dr. Pugh became known as one of the fathers of altitude medicine, saving the lives of several members of Hillary’s expedition to Mount Makalu, and pioneering safety techniques for mountaineers and hill walkers. This is also the story of Griffith Pugh, the man, a troubled and eccentric person who had difficulties in sustaining personal relationships in both his personal and professional lives. His daughter and author of this biography, Harriet Tuckey, did not discover the extent of her father’s role in the success of the climb until he was honored late in life at the Royal Geographical Society. His story shines a necessary and fascinating light on one of mankind's greatest achievments.

Everest - The First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain

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Everest - The First Ascent: The Untold Story of Griffith Pugh, the Man Who Made it Possible

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Marking the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest in May 1953, Everest -- The First Ascent tells the story of the doctor and physiologist Griffith Pugh, without whom the successful conquest of Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay would not have been possible. Recruited as an advisor in 1952, Pugh battled for fifteen months -- in the face of opposition, suspicion and ridicule -- to revolutionise almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering, transforming the approach to oxygen, clothing, boots, tents, air beds, fitness, hygiene, health-care, diet and acclimatisation. The results were a stunning success and opened the door to the golden age of Himalayan climbing. Pugh's techniques are still in use today, yet he has never enjoyed popular credit for his work. Written by Pugh's daughter, Harriet Tuckey, Everest -- The First Ascent also charts the personal story of her own, and her mother's, relationship with this fiercely independent, troubled, abrasive and eccentric man, as she seeks to uncover the achievements of his controversial career.

  An extraordinary untold story from the first ascent of Everest.      For the first time, drawing upon previously unseen diaries and letters, rare archive material and interviews, Everest -- The First Ascent tells the remarkable story of Griffith Pugh, the forgotten team member whose scientific breakthroughs ensured the world's highest mountain could be climbed. A doctor and physiologist, Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering, transforming the climbers' attitude to oxygen, the clothes they wore, their equipment, fluid intake and acclimatisation.   Yet, far from receiving the acclaim he was due, he was met with suspicion and ridicule. His scientific contributions were, quite simply, at odds with old-fashioned notions of derring-do and the gentlemanly amateurism that dogged the sport. This insightful biography shows Pugh to be troubled, abrasive, yet brilliant. Eight years in the writing, closely researched, and told with unflinching honesty by Pugh's daughter, Harriet Tuckey, Everest -- The First Ascent is the compelling portrait of an unlikely hero.

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Books by Tuckey, Harriet

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Tuckey, Harriet. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Everest the First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain

Everest - The First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain

Everest the First Ascent: How a Champion of Science Helped to Conquer the Mountain

Everest - The First Ascent: The Untold Story of Griffith Pugh, the Man Who Made it Possible

Everest - The First Ascent: The Untold Story of Griffith Pugh, the Man Who Made it Possible

Everest - The First Ascent: The Untold Story of Griffith Pugh, the Man Who Made it Possible