Everest, Inc.

Mount Everest is a place of unparalleled beauty, peril, and allure. In Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell, readers embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of one of the most extreme and iconic environments on Earth. This vivid and authoritative adventure history explores the unlikely yet compelling industry of guided climbing on Mount Everest.

Set against the backdrop of the world's highest peak, Everest, Inc. delves into the transformation of Everest from a daunting natural wonder into a bustling hub for adventurous thrill-seekers. The book explores the evolution of commercial expeditions, from early beginnings in the 1980s by pioneering entrepreneurs who dared to dream big, to the present day where a significant majority of climbers on Everest are clients or employees of guiding companies.

Anyone familiar with Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air or the infamous images of traffic jams on Everest’s summit will find their perceptions challenged. Cockrell’s account transcends the simplistic stereotypes of a treacherous, overcrowded mountain where affluent clients feed their vanity at the expense of local Sherpas. Instead, the book paints a more nuanced portrait, revealing the true essence of the mountain and the guided climbing industry that has flourished around it.

Through exclusive interviews with renowned mountain guides and climbers like Jimmy Chin and Conrad Anker, combined with the voices of over a hundred Western and Sherpa climbers, clients, writers, filmmakers, and even a Hollywood actor, Everest, Inc. offers an unparalleled look at the human stories behind the mountain. These firsthand accounts provide a unique insight into the highs and lows faced by those daring enough to scale the world's tallest peak.

The narrative unfolds with rich anecdotes and dramatic tales, bringing to life the audacious spirit and relentless drive of the mountaineers who paved the way for the commercialisation of Everest expeditions. As readers follow this gripping chronicle, they will encounter moments of sheer exhilaration, gut-wrenching tragedy, and awe-inspiring determination.

Ultimately, Everest, Inc. is not just a tale of majestic landscapes and extreme adventures. It is a story of human endeavour, of the transformative power of dreams, and of the resilient Nepalis who propel this industry into the future. By elevating the voices of those who have indelibly shaped Everest’s history, Cockrell’s work offers an uplifting counternarrative that honours the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

For anyone captivated by the mystique of Mount Everest or intrigued by the dynamics of high-stakes adventure tourism, Everest, Inc. promises to be an engaging and enlightening read, blending meticulously researched history with the enthralling human elements of ambition, perseverance, and discovery.