Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance, 1921

One of the Rarest Mount Everest Titles
From the Collection of King Edward VII


This is one of the rarest and most desired books in the Everest literature. The 1921 British reconnaissance expedition to Everest paved the way for the 1922 and 1924 summit attempts with the discovery of the Rongbuk Glacier route and access to the mountain via the North Col. Almost one-third of the text is by George Leigh-Mallory describing the actual reconnaissance on the mountain. Of the six books devoted to the pre-war attempts (Howard-Bury, Bruce, Norton, Ruttledge (2), and Tilman) this is the only one to also have a large paper, limited, edition. It is significantly larger in format than the trade edition, was printed on special mould-made paper, and contains 12 extra plates and 2 extra panoramas.

This particular copy, from the estate of the Duke of Windsor (King Edward VIII), was sold by Sotheby’s auction house in 1997. Being copy #2 it was most likely a presentation copy to the Duke. It also bears the signature of noted American climber Ed Webster along with his blindstamp.

This is the first in a long line of Everest expeditions, and books! Anyone with a true interest in Everest should read the early books to understand what it took to first explore and come to grips with this mountain. Additional photos available upon request.

Additional insurance and postage will be required.

Cox 28, Neate H120, Perret 2288, SB H27, Yak H247a (2nd), H433a (3rd), H417a (4th).