Wilson, Maurice, 1898-1934. Mount Everest (China and Nepal), Wilson -- 1898-1934, Asia -- Mount Everest, Biography 

Eric Shipton's reconnaissance party found his body at the approaches to the North Col. There at a little over 21, 000 feet they buried him in a snow crevasse and raised a cairn over his grave.

But those bare facts hide an amazing story. Maurice Wilson had kept a Diary --a day by day record of the fantastic quest that led him to the upper slope of Everest-- and this Diary Shipton took from Wilson's body and brought back to England. It proved an astonishing record of persistence, courage, and a faith that never wavered in the face of appaling hardship and adversity. Now for the first time, Wilson's executors have allowed the contents of the Diary to be Known, and his own words form the basis of a remarkable narrative. It is a truly epic testimony to the indomitable spirit of man.

We first meet Wilson as a young soldier who served with distinction in the 194-1918 war and shares the frustrations and disappointments of the post-war years, up to the strange personal experience which led to his belief that he could climb Everest alone. We then follow his every move, from his preparations, his epic solo flight to India, his disappointment at being refused an entry permit to Nepal, his amazing journey through Sikkim and Tibet disguised as a Tibetan Priest, to the final three desperate assults on Everest itself.