Boardman Tasker Shortlist 2008

[ClaireW]

1. Fallen Giants by M. Isserman and S. Weaver
2. The Eiger Obsession by John Harlin III
3. Psychovertical by Andy Kirkpatrick
4. Cham by Jonathan Trigell
5. Ararat by Frank Westerman

So, has anyone read any of them?

[Zannah]

I've only heard of one, Psychovertical. Ak is hilarious. I'll certainly put this on my shortlist.

[ClaireW]

OK, here's some blurb....
http://www.boardmantasker.com/site/shortlist2008.htm

Fallen Giants, by Maurice Isserman and Stewart Weaver, published by Yale University Press
A sustained and eminently readable history of Himalayan mountaineering that pulls together and references rigorously the crucial explorations that have provided the peaks with climbers. An important addition to the shortlist.

The Eiger Obsession, by John Harlin III, published by Hutchinson
This book surprised the judges by its candour, open style and plain readability. As a balanced account of a controversial climb and personality, this is exemplary. A much enjoyed and no-doubt popular choice.

Psychovertical, by Andy Kirkpatrick, published by Hutchinson
In measured and balanced writing throughout, Kirkpatrick finds the perfect measure of himself, his obsession and some of the most dangerous climbs on the planet. That he is equally honest about his dyslexic upbringing and selfish impulses as a husband and father is also more than endearing: an outstanding biography in its own right.

Cham, by Jonathan Trigell, published by Serpent's Tail
An account of a fictional amoralist in the mountains. With strongly drawn characters and some powerful set pieces, it challenges received ideas about subject matter and deserves recognition.

Ararat, by Frank Westerman, published by Harvill Secker
Wholly engaging, thought-provoking and challenging of simplistic beliefs, the mountain as metaphor sits subtly behind the explorations in this book. Shortlisted because it asks us to think deeply with its author.

[ClaireW]

I have to admit I found some of the language the shortlist writer(s) used a little odd.

"provided the peaks with climbers" - suggests the peaks were waiting for climbers to come and climb them. I'm not sure this was the case.

The descriptions of Cham and Ararat didn't really tell me what the books were about. If anyone has any idea I'd like to know!

I'm with Zannah that I'd like to read AK's book.

[Joalps]

I've read The Eiger Obsession by John Harlin III but can't say I was leaping up and down with excitement - am looking forward to reading Psychovertical, by Andy Kirkpatrick

[alibali]

Oh, in case you didn't know it, Andy KP won the B-T award at KMFF. We didnt go to the ceremony. He's a lovely, funny bloke. I saw him in Durham a few years ago when he did his "Chocolate River runs through it" lecture. I've bought the book, so just need to read it now. Apparently he's a late diagnosed dyslexic and didn't want to re-read his own material (though those two facts may not be linked), so what is in the book is pretty much unedited according to Andy, but who knows.

Oh, we also saw, arguably, the greatest mountaineer of modern times...Messner. His English is pretty good, and the presentation was slick and helped to dispel some of the mystery (well he is seen as an icon isn't he). I have read Naked Mountain, but borrowed it from the library a while back, so didn't get anything signed.