A very English Adventure A very readable account of two amateur mountaineers (their training comprised of a weekend of instruction in Snowdonia) as they set of to conquer the lofty peaks of Mir Samir in the Hindu Kush. At time the trials and tribulations endured by Eric Newby and his climbing partner Hugh Carless on their journey read like a Noel Coward farce - Wilfred Thesiger they are not ! A very English sense of humour shines through the principal characters' often strained relationship. A shame there aren't more... more info
A real adventure story to enjoy This incredible story dates back to 1956, when two very English gentlemen decided on a whim to go into one of the most inaccessible corners of the planet. This book will amuse and surprise you on at least two levels: firstly, the challenges they happily take on and endure are terrifying by modern outdoor travel standards (they undertook just one session of mountain climbing practice in Wales and brought along brand new hiking boots, not yet worn in, for example) and secondly, their unshakeable "Englishness"... more info
The Best Travel Book of All From the pathetically inadequate preparations to the cooking of Eric Newby`s watch to the meeting with Thesiger...One absurd incident follows another as the two brave and foolish climbers fail to achieve their declared aim. It is such a funny book, every page is a joy. It is the kind of book you hope will never end. Sadly it does. Nothing to do but read it again...but, alas, I lent my copy to someone, and then it went out of print.
Luckily I managed to find a replacement in a second hand book shop.... more info
Excellent, light hearted, down to Earth - but not frivolous. As per the other user reviews, this tells the story of a trip to the Hindu Kush taken in 1956 - apparently on no more than a whim. Eric Newby was working in the fashion industry for some years before the journey and the opening chapter covers some of his time here. As with other parts of the book, this can be a little confusing. Mr Newby also neglects to mention his time in the SBS and his earlier endeavours before and during the 2nd world war. This book worked well on 2 levels for me -more info
