Joyous Struggle

Finally, an English translation of George Ingle Finch’s delightful The Struggle for Everest ($44.95, topworldbooks.com). First published in 1925 and available solely in German till now, this is the only book by an Everest team member devoted to the British expeditions of the 1920s. An eminent chemist and leading alpinist, Finch, with Geoffrey Bruce, reached 27,250 feet on Everest in 1922. Finch was an avid proponent of supplementary oxygen, arguing it was no more an artificial aid than ice axes or warm clothing — he designed the first oxygen apparatus used on Everest. Although politics excluded him from the 1921 and 1924 British expeditions, Finch’s account of his Everest romp exudes a truly joyous enthusiasm.

—Fred Bryant

MORE REVIEWS:

• Higher Meaning

• Race for the Nordwand

• Show Me the Money

• The Land of Oz

• Beyond Basic Training