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Into the Silence

688 pages, 2012

science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
biographies & memoirs

biographies & memoirs

997 books
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Description

On June 6, 1924, two men set out from a camp perched at 23,000 feet (ca. 7 km) on an ice ledge just below the lip of Everest’s North Col. George Mallory, thirty-seven, was Britain’s finest climber. Sandy Irvine was a twenty-two-year-old Oxford scholar with little previous mountaineering experience. Neither of them returned. 

Drawing on more than a decade of prodigious research and first-hand interviews, bestselling author and explorer Wade Davis vividly re-creates the heroic efforts of Mallory and his fellow climbers: their early expeditions in pursuit of this ultimate prize, their significant achievements in a sweeping historical context: from Britain’s nineteenth-century imperialism to World War I—which shaped Mallory’s generation just as it defined his country’s identity—and finally their subsequent quest for redemption and hope in the aftermath of war.

The Power of Perseverance

Into the Silence by Wade Davis shows us the importance of perseverance. The book tells the story of George Mallory and his team who never gave up on their dream to conquer Mount Everest, despite the numerous challenges they faced. It's a great reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets.

The Impact of War

The book explores the profound impact of World War I on the climbers. Wade Davis paints a vivid picture of how the horrors of war shaped the climbers' determination to conquer Everest. It's a fascinating look into how our experiences can shape our ambitions and drive us to achieve great things.

The Beauty of Nature

Davis takes us on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. He describes the beauty and the harshness of nature in such a way that you feel like you're right there with the climbers. It's a reminder to appreciate the beauty of our planet and to respect its power.

The Human Spirit

Into the Silence is not just a book about climbing a mountain, it's a book about the human spirit. It shows us what people are capable of when they are driven by a powerful goal. It's an inspiring read that will make you reflect on your own goals and what you're willing to do to achieve them.

The Importance of Teamwork

The climbers' journey to the top of Everest was a team effort. They had to rely on each other for survival in the harsh conditions of the mountain. This book shows us the importance of teamwork and trust in achieving our goals. It's a great read for anyone who wants to understand the power of collaboration.

Quotes 3

Into the Silence is a breathtaking triumph. An astonishing piece of research, it is also intensely moving, evoking the courage, chivalry, and sacrifice that drove these men to the edge of the world.

Jon KrakauerJon Krakauer - Author, Mountaineer

A brilliant work of history, biography, and cultural interpretation, and a gripping narrative that makes the past come alive.

Peter MatthiessenPeter Matthiessen - Novelist, Naturalist

Into the Silence is utterly fascinating, and grippingly well-written. With extraordinary skill Wade Davis manages to weave together such disparate strands of history into a coherent and compelling whole.

Sebastian JungerSebastian Junger - Journalist, Author
Jon KrakauerPeter MatthiessenSebastian Junger