[close] Peeling back the layers to reveal the gritty truth about the elite climbing world is Greg Child's specialty. With clever wit, sharp observations, and insightful reflections Child's writing covers the full spectrum of the mountaineering experience.

Entertaining even to those who have never been above sea level, Child's stories tell of the disgusting daily habits of expedition members; a display of contrasting styles during a climb with Lynn Hill in Kyrgystan; controversies surrounding Tomo Cesen's alleged first ascent of Lhotse's south wall and Lydia Bradey's solo ascent of Everest; and early climbing days in Yosemite and Australia that helped build his career. [close]