After the height of Mt. Everest was first measured in 1850, no westerner got within 40 miles of it for the next 71 years. Even so, the world's tallest peak played a significant role in the First Afghan War, the Survey of India, and the Anglo-Russian rivalry known as the Great Game. Telling a tale rife with spies and political intrigues, Craig Storti uncovers the fascinating and still largely overlooked saga of how two English climbers, George Mallory and Guy Bullock, became the first westerners to set foot on Mt. Everest, claiming the last remaining major prize in the history of exploration.

"This book would be enjoyed by those seeking knowledge of Everest beyond the climbing narratives, as well as those who appreciate the details of navigation and exploration."—Booklist