Savage Arena: K2, Changabang and the North Face of the Eiger [Paperback]

Joe Tasker lies, struck down by illness, in a damp, bug-infested room in the Himalaya, wondering if he will be well enough to climb Dunagiri, his first venture to the big mountains. One of Britains foremost mountaineers and a pioneer of lightweight climbing, he is about to attempt one of the first true alpine-style climbs in the Greater Ranges.The Dunagiri attempt forms part of Taskers striking tale of adventure in the savage arena of the mountains. A superb writer, he vividly describes the first British winter ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, the first ascent of the West Wall of Changabang  considered a preposterous plan by the climbing world  and his two unsuccessful attempts on K2, the second highest mountain on Earth.Savage Arena is both moving and exciting, an inspirational tale of the adventuring spirit which follows its own path, endlessly seeking new challenges, climbs and difficulties to overcome. It is not reaching the summit which counts, it is the journey to it. It is also a story of the stresses and strains of living for long periods in constant anxiety, often with only one other person, and of the close and vital human relationships which spring from those circumstances.Savage Arena is an inspirational tale of the adventuring spirit which follows its own path. Tasker vividly describes the first British winter ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, the first ascent of the West Wall of Changabang and his two unsuccessful attempts on K2, the second highest mountain on Earth.Publisher's Note Foreword by Chris Bonington 'A Great Partnership' Chapter 1 Or Men Will Come For You Chapter 2 It is Forbidden to Walk on the Track: The Eiger Chapter 3 It Could be Worse: Dunagiri Chapter 4 Figures on a Screen: Changabang Chapter 5 Lets Draw Matchsticks: K2 Chapter 6 In the Treasure House of the Great Snow: Kangchenjunga Chapter 7 Apocalypse: K2 Postscript ChronologyGB