Sir Edmund Hillary and the People of Everest [Hardcover]

Anne Keiser (Author), Cynthia Russ Ramsey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2002

When 33-year-old New Zealand beekeeper Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa climbing partner Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953, they congratulated each other with a handshake and a hearty embrace. It was the beginning of a lifelong relationship between Hillary and the Sherpa people-a people whose courage, skill, and generosity of spirit made Himalayan exploration possible.Sir Edmund Hillary and the People of Everest is a story of giving back. The book begins with a vivid recounting of the conquest of Mt. Everest and goes on to beautifully chronicle Hillary's humanitarian and environmental efforts over the last half century. His work on behalf of the Sherpas includes raising funds, building schools, setting up two hospitals, and opening 12 medical clinics. His deep love, respect, and concern for the Sherpa people is unwavering, and his commitment shines through in whatever project is at hand.Using personal interviews and intimate photographs, photographer Anne B. Keiser and writer Cynthia Russ Ramsay paint an insightful portrait of an extraordinary man and his unmatched devotion to preserving the culture of the Sherpa people.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anne B. Keiser first met Sir Edmund Hillary when she worked as a photographer and photo editor at the National Geographic Society. Later, as a freelance photographer, she returned to the Everest region a number of times with Hillary to document his community development work with the Sherpa people. During this time, she helped to produce two children's books on Sir Edmund Hillary, To Everest and Beyond and Triumph on Everest. She lives in Washington, D.C.Author Cynthia Russ Ramsay has written for several National Geographic Society books during her 20-plus years with the society. She lives in Arlington, Va

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing (September 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740729500
• ISBN-13: 978-0740729508
• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #870,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > History > Asia > Nepal

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Commitment, December 7, 2002

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This review is from: Sir Edmund Hillary and the People of Everest (Hardcover)

Sir Edmund Hillary & the People of Everest is a marvelous book about an extraordinary man. Ms. Ramsay's text tells the compelling story of Sir Edmund's courage as an explorer and of his commitment as a great humanitarian.

The photographs, by Anne Keiser, depict the beauty and remoteness of the Everest region as well as the special charm of the Sherpa people.

The book celebrates Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's ascent of Everet in 1953. An incredible feat for any time, and is all the more remarkable for the lack of equipment today's generation of climbers take for granted.

With the conquest of Everest began Hillary's lifelong devotion to the Sherpa people, a commitment that has guided his life. The reader has no doubt as to the mutual appreciation of benefactor and beneficiaries. His generosity truly transformed the Sherpa community. His sense of purpose is an inspiration. It is the kind of inspiration required in today'w world, where human need is so apparent.

The text is enhanced by wonderfully rich personal interviews.