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Conquistadors of the Useless cover art

Conquistadors of the Useless

Written by: Lionel Terray, David Roberts - foreword
Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
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Publisher's Summary

Frenchman Lionel Terray is one of mountaineering history's greatest alpinists, and his autobiography, Conquistadors of the Useless, stands among the "100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time", according to National Geographic Adventure magazine. Following World War II, when France desperately needed successes to heal its wounds, Terray emerged as a national hero, conquering summits atop the planet's highest mountains.

This biography of Lionel Terry is filled with first-time feats and acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable odds. He climbed with legends such as Maurice Herzog, Gaston Rebuffat, and Louis Lachenal. He made first ascents in the Alps, Alaska, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Terray's gripping story captures the energy of an optimistic world shaking off the restraints of war and austerity. It's a mountaineering classic.

©1961 Editions Gallimard (P)2021 Tantor

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A must-read for every student of climbing

Amazing! Basically the archetype for every mountaineering and climbing book that's been written since.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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a classic

one of my all time favorite mountaineering novels. with fabulous narration. 10 put of 10 would recommend

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  • Dan
  • 2023-10-13

Good story telling.

The book did have me zone in and out. However the stories told were great to listen to.

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New favorite book

There is just something so motivating and funny in the way everything is understated

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