The tower : a chronicle of climbing and controversy on Cerro Torre /
Cordes, Kelly.
Patagonia's Cerro Torre, considered by many the most beautiful peak in the world, draws the finest and most devoted technical alpinists to its climbing challenges. But controversy has swirled around this ice-capped peak since Cesare Maestri claimed first ascent in 1959. Since then a debate has raged, with world-class climbers attempting to retrace his route but finding only contradictions. This chronicle of hubris, heroism, controversies and epic journeys offers a glimpse into the human condition, and why some pursue extreme endeavors that at face value have no worth.   --Publisher's description.
Includes "selected bibliography", pages 384-393.
Includes index.
Lost time -- In the beginning -- Toni, Toni, Toni -- January 2012 -- 1959 -- Aftermath 1959 -- Doubt, rage, and a gas-powered compressor -- Ragni di Lecco -- Body of evidence -- Origins of belief -- Poseidon and Zeus -- Cold reality -- Belssed by Bridwell -- The grandfather clause -- Insight from Reinhold -- Examination of a myth -- New Patagonia -- El arca de los vientos -- Aftermath 2005 -- Stop making sense -- Los tiempos perdidos -- A new story -- The democratic republic of Cerro Torre -- Demystification of a massif -- A brief commercial interruption -- Contrast on the southeast ridge -- Seven days -- Aftermath 2012 -- Everybody has an opinion -- Cesare's letter -- Growing pains -- Alone with the truth -- The man and the mountains -- Fact-checking interlude -- My truth.
Patagonia's Cerro Torre, considered by many the most beautiful peak in the world, draws the finest and most devoted technical alpinists to its climbing challenges. But controversy has swirled around this ice-capped peak since Cesare Maestri claimed first ascent in 1959. Since then a debate has raged, with world-class climbers attempting to retrace his route but finding only contradictions. This chronicle of hubris, heroism, controversies and epic journeys offers a glimpse into the human condition, and why some pursue extreme endeavors that at face value have no worth.   --Publisher's description.
Mountaineering