Everest - The First Ascent

<p><b>WINNER OF THE OUTSTANDING GENERAL SPORTS WRITING AWARD BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS<br><br>WINNER OF THE BOARDMAN TASKER PRIZE</b><br><br><b>WINNER OF THE MOUNTAIN &amp; WILDERNESS PRIZE BANFF FESTIVAL</b><br><br><b>WINNER OF THE TONY LOTHIAN AWARD BIOGRAPHERS&#146; CLUB</b><br><br>For the first time drawing upon previously unseen diaries and letters rare archive material and interviews Everest &#150; The First Ascent tells the remarkable story of Griffith Pugh the forgotten team member whose scientific breakthroughs ensured the world&#146;s highest mountain could be climbed. A doctor and physiologist Griffith Pugh revolutionised almost every aspect of British high-altitude mountaineering transforming the climbers&#146; attitude to oxygen the clothes they wore their equipment fluid intake and acclimatisation. <br><br>Yet far from receiving the acclaim he was due he was met with suspicion and ridicule. His scientific contributions were quite simply at odds with old-fashioned notions of derring-do and the gentlemanly amateurism that dogged the sport. <br><br>Later in his career his impact in helping athletes enhance their performance lasts to this day in the fields of cycling swimming and running.<br><br>This insightful biography shows Pugh to be troubled abrasive yet brilliant. Eight years in the writing closely researched and told with unflinching honesty by Pugh&#146;s daughter Harriet Tuckey <i>Everest &#150; The First Ascent</i> is the compelling portrait of an unlikely hero.</p>