The Lost Explorer: Finding Mallory on Mt. Everest

Conrad Anker's story of the discovery of Mallory's body is appalling. You soon realize that these people had no idea what they were going to do if they did find Mallory or Irvine's body. When they found Mallory's body (they were looking for Irvine's) they immediately took to removing anything of even the remotest value they could from the corpse. I can understand taking some tissue samples and a few personal items (perhaps the letters and scarf), but why a knife? Why beef lozenges or a safety pin or pieces of twine? There were very few items that could show if the duo summited or lend a clue as to when they died (camera, altimeter, watch), so why steal the other items to put on display in a museum in Washington state? At least they had the decency to cover up the corpse. But they came back a few days later, unearthed the corpse, used a metal detector to find more items, then pried Mallory's face out of the ground for no reason other than that they could. Then Anker has the gall to complain endlessly about who had the rights to broadcast news of the discovery. If Irvine's body is ever found, we can only hope it will be treated with more respect than what these grave robbers showed to Mallory.

Anker goes on to talk of his summit attempt and other expeditions on the mountain. This is typical Everest fare with people doing stupid things and needing rescued. Conrad makes the summit and since he wasn't able to free climb the 2nd step assumes that Mallory couldn't either.

If there's anything to learn from this book, it's to fall all the way off the mountain or into a deep crevasse. Anything less risks being found by buffoons and picked clean.


If you enjoy mountianeering adventure tales try this one   September 25, 2000
 3 out of 9 found this review helpful

This was an enjoyable book. Well written by both authors each with their own tale to tell. Dave Roberts told historical facts and Conrad Anker the actual discovery of Mallory.

Ankers depiction of the finding of Mallory was enticing and then the further explanation he thought or didn't think Mallory made it to the top of Mount Everest.

Roberts portrail of Mallory and his family was interesting.

The book is well worth a read.


Tiresome adventure   July 5, 2000
 5 out of 16 found this review helpful

Gave perfect comparison-contrast of '20's climning to 90's climbing. This book was not the most riveting adventure tale but enjoyable to say the least. To say that Anker, coauthor of the book along with David Roberts who has also teamed up with Krakauer, was vain in this book is a bit harsh. Anker accounts for the find of Mallory and his personal climb to the top of the world. Roberts condenses the info on Mallory into pure-meat information.


Mallory's Legend Preserved   July 3, 2000
 25 out of 26 found this review helpful

I became interested in finding out more about George Mallory after watching a television documentary describing the discovery of his body in May,1999. When I learned that one of the climbers on that expedition had co-authored a book describing the historical find I knew I wanted to read it.

By reading it, a lot can be learned about climbing, even by a "grounded" reader like myself. Being a non-climber, I really wasn't aware of the mystique and high regard in which Mallory is held within the community of men and women who challenge themselves to the extremes of mental, emotional and physical endurance by pitting themselves against the unforgiving mountains "because they are there".

The book provides extensive insight into the psyche of Mallory and Conrad Anker, the man who found his body. The talent to climb, the courage to confront the ultimate challenges and the respect and awe held for the mountains, especially Everest, seem to be shared by both.

In my estimation the book accomplished what it set out to do. Most importantly, it preserved Mallory's legend. He was treated with reverance and his feats and accomplishments become more mind boggling when you consider the technological limitations with which he worked.

It helped provide insight into why people climb mountains. Mountaineering taps into the competitive nature of man; Everest is seen as an opponent that needs to be conquered. It is the proving ground that measures a person's mettle and stimulates the instinct for self survival.

The book spends time desribing Andrew Irvine, incredible in his own right, and sheds light on why he was chosen as Mallory's partner for that fateful climb.

The book also addresses the question on most readers' minds, "Did Mallory summit?". Anker followed in Mallory's footsteps and attempted to duplicate the climb. That helped him theorize that Mallory did not make it to the top. He explains clearly why he reached that conclusion and identifies several points that justify his conclusion. He even hypothesizes how Mallory and Irvine died and where Irvine's body might be located.

Finally, this illuminating book offers several anecdotes that both entertain and educate about the most dangerous and exhilirating sport known to man.


An Amazing Story   June 14, 2000
 3 out of 6 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed the history in this book. It's a fast read and is pretty well written, yet I wish Conrad had written it all by himself. Even though his analysis of the fate of Mallory and Irvine is rational and well-argued, I'm not convinced. I still tend to think that Odell, being the last person to see the pair alive and believing they topped the second step, is to be trusted.