About the book (from Goodreads):
On August 20, 1980, Reinhold Messner reached the summit of Everest alone and without the use of oxygen. His vivid account of this extraordinary achievement forms the core of “The Crystal Horizon.” Messner describes with passion his journey through Tibet, a mysterious country of snow peaks, ruined monasteries, and yak caravans. He identifies with the legendary mountaineers who have gone before him: Mallory, Irvine, and Wilson come to life as he makes his ascent to the “root of the world.” In the glittering light and oxygen–starved air, facing the exhaustion, exhilaration, danger, and despair of climbing Messner reflects on “why” a Himalayan mountaineer is driven to great risks. Diary entries by traveling companion Nena Holguin further reveal Messner’s life and motivations. Stunning photos of the trek across Tibet and climb of Mount Everest bring this fascinating account alive.
