The Ascent of Everest.

HUNT, John; Edmund Hillary; Wilfrid Noyce; Mike Westmacott; George Band; Michael Ward; Charles Wylie and George Lowe .

Item Number: 99631

Scarce original program for the Ascent of Everest, signed by eight members. Quarto, original illustrated wrappers, illustrated, route map inside the front pastedown. Signed on the front panel by E. P. Hillary and also signed by expedition leader John Hunt, members Wilfrid Noyce, Mike Westmacott, George Band, Michael Ward, Charles Wylie and George Lowe. On their return to Britain, members of the successful Everest expedition under John Hunt appeared before the Queen and a large audience at the Royal Festival Hall. The event, a Gala Premier Lecture held jointly by the R.G.S. and the Alpine Club, took place on Tuesday 15th September 1953, at 8pm. This is a program for that event. It contains a foreword by Prince Philip, an introduction by the Presidents of the Alpine Club and the R.G.S., and text by Wilfrid Noyce. In near fine condition. A remarkable collection of signatures.

The 1953 British Expedition to Mount Everest was the eighth in 30 years to attempt Everest. On May 29th, 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay at last stood at the summit; it was a culminating moment in mountaineering history, and one of the great achievements of human stamina and will. The Ascent of Everest was written by Sir John Hunt, the leader of the expedition, in one month to satisfy the great demand around the world for the story of the British team’s success. Chapter 16 is Sir Edmund Hillary’s stirring account of the final part of the climb, and the appendices are by members of the expedition.