SIGNED BY SIR EDMUND HILLARY

(HILLARY, Edmund) HUNT, John. The Ascent of Everest. (London): Hodder and Stoughton, (1953). Octavo, original blue cloth, original dust jacket. $1100.

First edition, boldly signed by Sir Edmund Hillary on the title page, with eight color photographic plates, 48 black-and-white plates, and a number of in-text illustrations after pen-and-ink sketches.

The 1953 British Expedition to Mount Everest was the eighth in 30 years to attempt Everest. On May 29th, 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay at last stood at the summit; it was a culminating moment in mountaineering history, and one of the great achievements of human stamina and will. The Ascent of Everest was written by Sir John Hunt, the leader of the expedition, in one month to satisfy the great demand around the world for the story of the British team's success. Chapter 16 is Sir Edmund Hillary's stirring account of the final part of the climb, and the appendices are by members of the expedition. With dust jacket design by W. Heaton Cooper. Neate 393.

Book fine, dust jacket with slightly toned spine, a few minor rubs to extremities, near-fine.