The Third Pole: My Everest climb to find the truth about Mallory and Irvine
by Mark Synnott, 马克·辛诺特
- First published 2021
- 429 pages
- English
In 1924, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine vanished on Mount Everest, leaving behind a century-old question: did they reach the summit decades before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay? Veteran climber Mark Synnott embarks on his own perilous 2019 Everest expedition, driven by this enduring mystery and the elusive promise of Irvine's camera, which might hold photographic proof of their success.
Synnott's quest to find Irvine's remains and the camera takes him onto the infamous North Face during a season marked by tragic overcrowding and extreme conditions. Weaving together the historical narrative of Mallory and Irvine's attempt with the realities of modern Everest climbing, the book explores the mountain's allure, the evolution of mountaineering, and the ethical complexities of human ambition at the roof of the world. This is a story of adventure, historical investigation, and the profound draw of one of Earth's most formidable peaks.
Synnott's quest to find Irvine's remains and the camera takes him onto the infamous North Face during a season marked by tragic overcrowding and extreme conditions. Weaving together the historical narrative of Mallory and Irvine's attempt with the realities of modern Everest climbing, the book explores the mountain's allure, the evolution of mountaineering, and the ethical complexities of human ambition at the roof of the world. This is a story of adventure, historical investigation, and the profound draw of one of Earth's most formidable peaks.
What readers say
4.12
4.8K ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it
The Third Pole is widely praised for its immersive and engaging narrative, with many readers finding it a captivating and hard-to-put-down read. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's ability to seamlessly blend historical accounts, particularly the enduring mystery of the 1924 Mallory and Irvine expedition, with the author's own experiences during a challenging 2019 climbing season. The book offers a fresh perspective by approaching Everest from the North (Tibetan/Chinese) side, providing unique insights into the geopolitical complexities and logistical challenges involved. Its detailed and well-researched content explores the evolution of Everest climbing, the often-overlooked role of Sherpas, and the critical ethical dilemmas faced in the mountain's "death zone," including the difficult choices made in life-or-death situations. The vivid descriptions of events, such as the infamous "day Everest broke" due to crowding and extreme weather, transport readers directly to the mountain, making it an essential modern companion to classic Everest literature.
Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted structural and narrative inconsistencies. A common criticism is that the book struggles to maintain a clear focus, oscillating between the historical quest, the author's personal climb, and broader discussions on mountaineering culture, leading to a somewhat disjointed feel. The frequent switching between different timelines and numerous side stories about other climbers sometimes made it difficult for readers to keep track of the various threads. Furthermore, the central historical mystery that initially drives the narrative was considered anticlimactic by some, with the expedition not yielding the definitive answers many had hoped for. A segment of readers also found the author's tone and actions on the mountain to be problematic, citing perceived arrogance, a disregard for the concerns of his support team, and decisions that seemed driven by personal obsession rather than the expedition's stated goals or safety protocols. Some also felt the writing style could be clunky or amateurish in places, and that for seasoned Everest readers, the book offered limited new insights.
Ultimately, "The Third Pole" is an ambitious book that offers a comprehensive, albeit sometimes structurally uneven, exploration of Mount Everest's history, its allure, and the complex realities of modern climbing. While its blend of historical inquiry, personal adventure, and critical commentary may not satisfy every reader equally on all fronts, its strengths in research, vivid storytelling, and ethical discussions make it a valuable addition to mountaineering literature. This book is highly recommended for enthusiasts of adventure non-fiction, particularly those fascinated by Mount Everest's enduring mysteries, its commercialization, and the moral quandaries faced by climbers. Readers who enjoyed "Into Thin Air" and are seeking an updated perspective on the mountain's challenges, or those curious about the geopolitical aspects of high-altitude expeditions and the human drive behind such immense endeavors, will find "The Third Pole" a thought-provoking read.
Despite its strengths, several reviewers noted structural and narrative inconsistencies. A common criticism is that the book struggles to maintain a clear focus, oscillating between the historical quest, the author's personal climb, and broader discussions on mountaineering culture, leading to a somewhat disjointed feel. The frequent switching between different timelines and numerous side stories about other climbers sometimes made it difficult for readers to keep track of the various threads. Furthermore, the central historical mystery that initially drives the narrative was considered anticlimactic by some, with the expedition not yielding the definitive answers many had hoped for. A segment of readers also found the author's tone and actions on the mountain to be problematic, citing perceived arrogance, a disregard for the concerns of his support team, and decisions that seemed driven by personal obsession rather than the expedition's stated goals or safety protocols. Some also felt the writing style could be clunky or amateurish in places, and that for seasoned Everest readers, the book offered limited new insights.
Ultimately, "The Third Pole" is an ambitious book that offers a comprehensive, albeit sometimes structurally uneven, exploration of Mount Everest's history, its allure, and the complex realities of modern climbing. While its blend of historical inquiry, personal adventure, and critical commentary may not satisfy every reader equally on all fronts, its strengths in research, vivid storytelling, and ethical discussions make it a valuable addition to mountaineering literature. This book is highly recommended for enthusiasts of adventure non-fiction, particularly those fascinated by Mount Everest's enduring mysteries, its commercialization, and the moral quandaries faced by climbers. Readers who enjoyed "Into Thin Air" and are seeking an updated perspective on the mountain's challenges, or those curious about the geopolitical aspects of high-altitude expeditions and the human drive behind such immense endeavors, will find "The Third Pole" a thought-provoking read.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Headline, 2022
- ISBN
- 9781472273697
- Language
- English
Original edition The Third Pole Originally published in 2021 · English · Dutton
