Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-379) and index.

Prologue: The last place on earth -- Ice axes and dinner jackets -- A wind from the east -- Everest, 1933 -- The new Emersonians -- Nanga Parbat -- Shangri-La -- Yogis and yak meat -- A knock at the door -- Murder mountain -- Triumph--and trouble -- An American Everest -- A bit east of the plaza -- The north face -- The summer at the end of the world -- War -- A new world -- The brightness of their rising -- Glory, strength, and decency -- Epilogue: To the stars.

"While tension steadily rose between European powers in the 1930s, a different kind of battle was raging across the Himalayas. Contingents from Great Britain, Nazi Germany, and the United States had set up rival camps at the base of the mountains, all hoping to become recognized as the fastest, strongest, and bravest climbers in the world. Carried on across nearly the entire sweep of the Himalayas, this contest involved not only the greatest mountain climbers of the era, but statesmen and millionaires, world-class athletes and bona fide eccentrics, scientists and generals, obscure villagers and national heroes. Centered in the 1930s, with one brief, shining postwar coda, the contest was a struggle between hidebound traditionalists and unknown innovators, one that featured new techniques and equipment, unbelievable courage and physical achievement, and unparalleled valor. And death. One Himalayan peak alone, Nanga Parbat in Kashmir, claimed twenty-five lives in less than three years"-- Publisher's description.