My Triumph On Everest : A Photobiography of Sir Edmund Hillary

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Released in paperback just in time for the 50th anniversary of Hillary's history-making climb, this exciting photobiography celebrates the extraordinary life of the New Zealand farm boy who in May 1953 became the first person known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. With climbing partner Tenzing Norgay, the iron-willed Hillary crossed deadly icefalls, clawed his way up vertical walls, and persevered through gale-force winds until he finally stood at the top of the world. Along with this gripping adventure, readers follow the explorer's trek to the South Pole, his quest to find the Abominable Snowman, and his continuing efforts to help the Sherpa people, without whom, Hillary is convinced, he never would have scaled Everest.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Children's Literture

Coburn presents the "bigger-than-life" explorer, Sir Edmund Hillary, as a warm, caring man whose concern for others has out-shone his experiences and accomplishments as an explorer. Growing up as part of a loving family, having had a family of his own, suffering the tragic death of his wife and daughter, and yet sharing his wealth and using his influence to help the Sherpa people of Nepal, Hillary exhibits the compassion of a great man. Through the black-and-white photographs and the well-written text, children and adults can share in the excitement of Hillary's triumph on Mt. Everest as well as his fierce determination to bring education and health care to the Sherpas. Although probably aimed at the middle grade reader, the story of the life of Edmund Hillary will touch anyone who reads the book. Includes a foreword, afterword, chronology of Hillary's life, related readings and web sites, and an index. 2000, National Geographic Society, Ages 9 to Adult, $17.95. Reviewer: Jenny B. Petty

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