Thursday, April 17, 2008
Outside Excerpts Dark Summit
Posted By:
2Machupicchu on: 4/17/2008 In: Himalaya, Mount Everest, Mountaineering, Outside Magazine, Tibet
In a few weeks time a book entiled Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season by Nick Heil will be released. The book takes a look at the controversial 2006 Spring Season on Everest, in which David Sharp died on the mountain, and a lot of fingers were pointed at who exactly was to blame. One of the looming figures at the center of the maelstrom was the controversial and infamous Russell Brice, whose Himex Team lords over the North Face of the mountain.
Outside Online has published an excerpt from the book, both in their latest issue, and now online. The excerpt takes a look at Brice and his approach to guiding and climbing on the big peaks. The story offers some insight into the man that has been both vilified and deified by various people, depending on their encounter with him.
After reading this brief portion of the Dark Summit I came away with two thoughts. One, Brice is a complex guy. Not easy to figure out, and not easy to place blame, or absolve from blame. The second thought was that I had to read the rest of the book to find out more. Which is, of course, what Outside wants since they're publishing it. Mission accomplished guys! ;) I have a feeling if you're reading this blog, you'll probably want to read this book as well. If I can get my hands on a copy, I'll write a review soon.
Also, the author did a Q&A session with the Outside Blog where he continues to answer questions in the "comments" section. Definitely worth a look as well. Interesting stuff.