Conquistadors of the Useless

From the Alps to Annapurna

De: Lionel Terray, David Roberts - foreword

Narrado por: Nigel Patterson

Frenchman Lionel Terray is one of mountaineering history's greatest alpinists, and his autobiography, Conquistadors of the Useless, stands among the "100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time", according to National Geographic Adventure magazine. Following World War II, when France desperately needed successes to heal its wounds, Terray emerged as a national hero, conquering summits atop the planet's highest mountains.

This biography of Lionel Terry is filled with first-time feats and acts of bravery in the face of unspeakable odds. He climbed with legends such as Maurice Herzog, Gaston Rebuffat, and Louis Lachenal. He made first ascents in the Alps, Alaska, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Terray's gripping story captures the energy of an optimistic world shaking off the restraints of war and austerity. It's a mountaineering classic.

©1961 Editions Gallimard (P)2021 Tantor

A must read for all mountaineers

Lionel Terray and many of his companions set a new standard for mountaineering and alpine climbing that directed the course of its history to where it is today. This is an interesting look into the life of this pioneer.

Awe Inspiring masterpiece. Brilliant Reading.

If you only read one mountaineering book in a lifetime, this is the the one.

Superb

Great adventure book with details and history. I will listen to it a second time.

best mountaineering book

there is a stupid 15 word limit, but this is the best mountaineering book, I've read a bunch.

Conquistadors of the Useless

This is something of a cult classic. First published in French in 1961, it was for a long time not available in English, and then after translation it went out of print and copies were going for over $1000. Helped by the fact it was included in the National Geographic Outdoor list. Not too long after 1961, he died on a climbing trip. The book then is a sort of scope into the mind of a soon to be dead man who struggled with why he climbed, saw so many others die, almost died many times. But it is not morbid, Terray is full of life, such are the sharp contrasts of this sport, or a way of life.

Terray came of age when climbing transitioned from fragile hemp rope and clod-hopper nail boots to modern technology and techniques, as such, he was first ascent to many climbs or nearly so. They were superstars in the days after the war doing things people thought insane and impossible, the book gives a sense of the fraternity of climbers in the Alps during the 40s and 50s. Remember 'The Eiger Sanction'? Well that sort of time period and place is what this concerns but for real. This is a long book and the early sections are not so great, but once he started on the Big Walls it takes off. The interlude of WWII is interesting as he sneaks up on Germans from mountain tops they didn't think anyone could climb, only to have his gun freeze! So many stories. This is a must read for climbers, NatGeo completionists, or really anyone who likes good stories, Terray is a likeable, down to earth character,

Adventure and history perfectly united

This book has a legendary reputation, and after listening to this version, I truly understand why. The account of Terray and Lachenal making the second accent of the Eigerwand is beyond epic; I was on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended.

Worth the time

I actually liked the nonclimbing part just as much or better than the climbing part. His early life and experiences trying to start a farm are pretty fascinating and a glimpse into the time around the world war. I really love this narrator.

Fantastic reading & narrative

What a wonderful book. It was complimented by the reader. It is long but very worthy. If anything I wanted more, specifically on his ascents in the Andes. I did think the backstory took up too much time, but it was a wonderful story.

Great adventure, auto biography

I was unfamiliar with the notable French Alpinists. This is high adventure at its best!