Conquistadors of the Useless

From the Alps to Annapurna

By: Lionel Terray, David Roberts - foreword

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Frenchman Lionel Terray is one of mountaineering history's greatest alpinists, and his autobiography, Conquistadors of the Useless, stands among the "100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time", according to National Geographic Adventure magazine. Following World War II, when France desperately needed successes to heal its wounds, Terray emerged as a national hero, conquering summits atop the planet's highest mountains.

This biography of Lionel Terry is filled with first-time feats and acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable odds. He climbed with legends such as Maurice Herzog, Gaston Rebuffat, and Louis Lachenal. He made first ascents in the Alps, Alaska, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Terray's gripping story captures the energy of an optimistic world shaking off the restraints of war and austerity. It's a mountaineering classic.

©1961 Editions Gallimard (P)2021 Tantor

A must read for all mountaineers

Lionel Terray and many of his companions set a new standard for mountaineering and alpine climbing that directed the course of its history to where it is today. This is an interesting look into the life of this pioneer.

best mountaineering book

there is a stupid 15 word limit, but this is the best mountaineering book, I've read a bunch.

Awe Inspiring masterpiece. Brilliant Reading.

If you only read one mountaineering book in a lifetime, this is the the one.

A Classic!

His recounting of all his adventures in mountains around the world. I particularly enjoy his recounting his time on the Eiger and Annapurna.

Superb

Great adventure book with details and history. I will listen to it a second time.