Everest, Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World

I’m not a climber, and my knowledge of the climbing world—Everest or otherwise—is limited largely to the moments that have broken through to pop by culture. But Cockrell’s book kept me hooked, swirling together history, tragedy, anthropology, and humanity at the top of the world while charting the (so-far) brief but intense history of guiding on Everest. The book often tells the story behind the story for the moments that became global news—the horrible ice fall, the earthquake, the infamous “conga line” photo— while situating them inside the bigger narrative the really drives all Cockrell’s reporting: who deserves to run Everest? And just below it all, another question, far less easy to answer: how much death is acceptable for a business built on, to some degree, selling the act of conquering death?

Great history of the early days of Everest guiding. Well researched and written with some interesting evaluations and conclusions.

I bought ir as a Christmas gift, yet read parts of it before offering it - and was very happy with the true picture of the Everest climbing industry of today.

We've all heard and read about Mt. Everest disasters, starting with Into Thin Air for most people. Krakauer was hard on the guides, and the guiding industry in general. This is not an uncommon perspective among "traditional" climbers, who prefer to climb without oxygen and support from Sherpas or other porters. It's not a fair perspective. The vast, vast majority of people who wish to challenge themselves on Everest--or any other high peak--need assistance in logistics, planning, and expertise on summit day. Guides provide that. Too many people who have never walked up a hill like to complain about people climbing Everest for their egos and to brag at cocktail parties. And the fact that local, Nepalese control is taking over the industry? We should celebrate this. This is a great book.

I have read many books on Everest, I have guided in the Everest Region of Nepal for 20 years, and feel I have a pretty good handle on everything Everest without having climbed the mountain. I learned quite a bit about the commercial side of guiding, even way back when it started before the the 1996 disaster. Again, if you like reading about Everest, this is definitely a book you want for your collection!