The Hunt for Mount Everest

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The height of Mt. Everest was first measured in 1850, but for 71 years until 1921, the closest any westerner got was 40 miles away. This narrative recounts the quest to locate the world's highest mountain, featuring dramatic events and larger-than-life figures such as George Everest, Francis Younghusband, and George Mallory, alongside quieter heroes like Alexander Kellas and the 13th Dalai Lama. The story spans the Alps, the Himalayas, Nepal, and Tibet, encompassing the British Empire, the Anglo-Russian rivalry known as The Great Game, the First Afghan War, and the remarkable Survey of India. It delves into encounters with spies, political intrigues, and the logistics involving hundreds of animals, including mules and yaks. Craig Storti reveals the largely overlooked saga leading to the moment in late June 1921 when George Mallory and Guy Bullock became the first westerners—and likely the first humans—to set foot on Mt. Everest, claiming a significant prize in exploration history. As 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of this achievement, the focus on Everest has often been on subsequent climbing endeavors, making this account a rare glimpse into the pre-1921 narrative.