A Life on the Edge

Memoirs of Everest and Beyond

By: Jim Whittaker

Narrated by: Traber Burns

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

In May of 1963, Seattle mountaineer Jim Whittaker stepped into world history by becoming the first American to summit Mount Everest. More than 50 years later, he is still regarded as a seminal figure in North American mountaineering, as well as an astute businessman who helped create the outdoor recreation industry.

A Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond is Jim's courageous, no-punches-pulled autobiography and a look at a peripatetic, sometimes difficult life. Beyond the glory of the Everest summit and his other extraordinary climbing feats, including the first American summit of K2, he openly describes his personal "everyman" experience of social upheaval in the 1960s and '70s, an early divorce, family strife, a passionate new love later in life, near-bankruptcy, and business triumphs and losses. Jim tells it all with verve and honesty and, true to his nature, turns every setback into the stage for new adventure.

This special 50th anniversary edition celebrates the story of Jim's life and features a new foreword by Ed Viesturs, as well as a new final chapter that brings listeners up to date, including details of Jim's trek to Everest Base Camp in 2012 and his son Leif's recent successful summits of Everest.

©1999, 2013 Jim Whittaker (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Solid mountaineer memoir

Great honest writing about a spectacular life lived. Whittaker comes across as a level-headed can do guy who was often in the right place at the right time. Very enjoyable.

A life well lived indeed

Magnificent story of a life truly well lived. Not just for climbers but real people of all sorts. Thanks for everything Jim from a coop member.

Started for adventure. Left wishing I'd done more.

A story about life and the adventures that make it memorable. Thanks Jim for all the inspiration.

This should be required reading for every man.

fantastic story and adventure. As strange as life is I actually was on that I'll fated Mt McKinley climb and never went back to big cold mountains. left my gear and walked away.
A truly humble fantastic person that I wish I could meet in person. A man's man.

An Amazing Memoir of a Pioneering Mountaineer

I loved this book. It's well written, and mentions the many things that Jim Whittaker has done & experienced in his life. As an Everest fan, I enjoyed hearing about climbing that too.

Mr Whittaker is a survivor who has made a difference. Being the 1st American to summit Everest is just a bit of all that he's accomplished. There's so much more to him and his experiences than I had thought.

I recommend this book for anyone who is fascinated with mountain climbing, and other adventures, as an inspiration for those who find themselves struggling, as he survived a terrible betrayal, and was, in time,, able to dig himself out of. Also for those who want to make a difference, leave a legacy. or legacies. Much more than a mountain climber. Thank you.

The goat

A huge insight into the milestones of conquest of many summits. Love the candid account of various opportunities, setback and determination.

Incredible book. Listen to it!

This was an amazing book. Very engaging. I listened to it all in one go. Jim Whittaker’s life is so extraordinary. I LOVED how he gave his short life philosophy at the end. So good. Just get this book already.

What a life

Amazing hearing what Jim did with his life, accomplishing so many things. Inspirational and motivating, couldn’t stop listening to it!

Sooo good!!

If you love story telling and adventure this book is for you!!!!! My eight year old even lostened with me and loved it!

A Life Lived to the Fullest

Jim Whittaker led a full life, and tells us about it in well-written prose. It's an easy listen.
Generally, the narrator did a good job.
The only reason it lost a star in my rating is that I did not appreciate the long-winded and ham-fisted passages about God and religion; they simply had no place in the narrative.
If you enjoy memoirs, you'll find this one worth your while.