Climbers who court danger in the world's highest places risk far more than just their own skins. When tragedy strikes, what happens to the people who love them? Why would anyone choose to invest in a future with a high-altitude climber? What is life like in the shadow of the mountain? Such questions have long been taboo within the international world of mountaineering. Now Maria Coffey breaks this silence. She recounts climbers' stories of near-death experiences, and gives a voice to the families and loved ones of Chris Bonington, Ed Viesturs, Anatoli Boukreev and Alex Lowe, amongst many other famous names. Her riveting narrative weaves tales of adventure with first-person accounts of the people left behind, highlighting the conflicting beauty, passion and devastation of this alluring obsession.

'The defining thing about climbing is that it kills you. Not many people publicly question the fatality rate because it opens up a very nasty Pandora's box. People feel uncomfortable and think, no, no it's not like that. But you only have to look at the facts.' Joe Simpson

About the Author
Maria Coffey's writing career began in 1989 with the publication of Fragile Edge: A Personal Portrait of Loss on Everest (Chatto & Windus). Since then she has published a further nine books, chronicling her world-wide expeditions and travels with her husband, Dag Goering. Originally from England, she now lives on the West Coast of Canada, where she and Dag run an adventure travel company, Hidden Places. For further information please check Maria's website: www.hiddenplaces.net


Book Information
ISBN 9780099436089
Author Maria Coffey
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Arrow Books Ltd
Publisher Cornerstone
Weight(grams) 213g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm