Mallory, Irvine and Everest: The Last Step But One

Tells it like it is with plenty of background information none of which is superfluous. This book explains in photographs, diagrams and with accompanying text the important factors what most likely occurred that June in 1924.

With lateral thinking and new analysis the author produces a credible theory of approach to the Summit. These theories are substantiated by records available at the time and since. The author goes against the accepted “truth” that Mallory attempted to climb the Second step. When you read this you ask yourself why no one has considered this before. Instead many authors rely on previous books and go to the same enactment with a spin. I’m not convinced by his argument that there was no camera on the climb as I find it hard to believe that someone would attempt Everest without a means of recording any success. Despite that I would say this book is a new and fresh look at the Mallory and Irvine climb and I highly recommend. I would like to hear the author’s view on Hoyland’s 2024 theory based on newly analysed weather data/ atmospheric data from 8 June 1924 - the Summit day.

The cover is fine but at this price point, I would expect a book that looks less cheaply produced. The inside pages look like a self-published book visually, very small font and typesetting. Regardless, climbing enthusiasts will love this meticulously researched work, but author’s efforts are let down by Pen and Sword’s cheap production values.

This book is a work of scholarship and could easily be submiotted for a second Ph D thesis to the one the author already has It studies in careful and forensic detail all the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mallory and Irvine on the 1924 Everest exspediton. He brings fresh evidence from recent climbers to show that Odell's last sightings of the two climbers as originally described by him could in fact have been possible, and that contrary to modern thinking they may have reached the summit but then died in the descent after nightfall. Illustrated with many diagrams which, however are difficult to follow as they attempt to portray a three dimensional scenario in two dimensions. Highly recdommended to all interestede in the pre-war Everest exspeditions.

Excellent book on an enduring mystery. Did they make it, the book tries to answer various theories.

Anyone fascinated by Everest will enjoy this new take on the Mallory and Irvine story. There is new analysis, some of which is open to challenge but that is fine. I think the book will appeal to those already familiar with the key evidence and events. So having read existing literature on the topic and having watched YouTube videos by Michael Tracy, Jake Norton and others. Mr Edwards' book does not attempt to give a rounded picture of the story. There is very little for example on Mallory and Irvine's backgrounds or personalities or the important historical context, the impact of the Great War experience in particular. There we are simply directed to Wade Davis' book 'Into The Silence'. But there is a lot of detail on the search for the route up the mountain and on the Sherpa. The latter is particularly welcome but it does give the book an unbalanced feel.There are some good photographs but the use of Google earth and accompanying graphics are pretty challenging and the author's pencil drawings are just dreadful (sorry Mr Edwards).The author seems to accept as fact that the Chinese reached the summit in 1960. Given the lack of evidence for that, and that as far as I know Mr Edward's has no reason to keep the Chinese authorities happy, I am rather surprised by that.Anyway, it's such a fascinating story and i enjoyed reading this latest interpretation. It doesn't take get us much closer to a definitive answer but I suspect it will be forever a mystery as to whether Mallory and Irvine were the first to reach the summit of Everest.

The last climb of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, towards the summit of Mount Everest on 8 June 1924, has been shrouded in mystery for a century. Were they the first humans to stand at the highest point in the world? The discovery of Mallory's body in 1999 did nothing to resolve the mystery. Until now, accounts of their climb have been driven by speculation and preconceived narrative.I’ve always been fascinated by this story. Something of the old pioneer/explorer in it really appeals so I was delighted to read this excellent book. It’s well researched and presented. It describes in detail just how Mallory prepared for the climbing of the highest mountain in the world. It also gives an insight on the man himself but, sadly it cannot answer the inevitable question. Did Mallory and Irvine reach the summit or not? It’s a great read however.

This is another outstanding study by Dr. Edwards. Meticulously researched and fascinating to read, it thoroughly analyses every possible option that the facts permit regarding Mallory and Irvine's fatal climb.Highly recommended.

Good insights into new ways of analyzing the disappearance.