Recovered by Desnivel for their backlist, Los conquistadores de lo inútil is one of the most read mountaineering books of all times. The author, Lionel Terray (1921-1965) was considered by Messner as "one of the most outstanding individuals in mountaineering history". Likewise, he was the absolute first at Fitz Roy, Chacraraju, Jannu, Makalu or Mount Huntingdon. His repeat journey to the North of the Eiger and the Cassin to Piz Badile in seven and a half hours, both with Louis Lachenal are well remembered.

In 1950 he takes part in the French expedition to Annapurna, when he decided not to reach the peak in order to descend to Herzog and Lachenal. He dies at 44 in a climbing accident. His risk-taking character and the passion with which he lived each climb made him an extraordinary person.

This book is and will be a classic piece of mountaineering literature, one for all who love to climb mountains or dream of climbing them.

Mal de altura is a must-read for readers who love mountain literature, adventure or travel stories. This is an international best-seller that although it reads like a novel, is in fact a real story, told by Jon Krakauer and his expedition to the Himalaya in 1966.

Krakauer reflects on the reasons why people are willing to risk their lives to reach the peaks and after having reached the top himself, he began the dangerous descent. Not everyone survived; there were deaths, injured parties and a lot of controversy. This work provoked such a controversy that Krakauer felt the need to write a post scriptum, which is included in this edition.

A worthwhile read.