Description
A first edition, first printing of ‚’Everest 1933′ published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1934. A very good copy. Original cloth gilt, with the rarely seen illustrated dust-wrapper, retaining price; pp. xv, 390; sepia photogravure frontispiece, 58 sepia photogravure plates, three diagrams in text, four maps, including three large folding to the rear. Some spotting to the page edges – no inscriptions. In a very good unclipped wrapper showing 25s to the front flap. Some chipping to the spine tips and corners.
Hugh Ruttledge was the leader of the 1933 British Mount Everest Expedition, one of the major pre-war attempts on the mountain. A seasoned Indian Civil Service officer and experienced Himalayan traveller, he emphasised careful organisation, reconnaissance, and teamwork. The expedition explored routes on the North Col and made serious summit bids, notably by Frank Smythe and Eric Shipton, reaching high altitude but falling short of the top. Although no summit was achieved, Ruttledge’s leadership helped refine logistics, acclimatisation, and route knowledge. The 1933 expedition advanced understanding of Everest and influenced later successful climbs during the inter-war era of British mountaineering.
