The Third Pole: My Everest climb to find the truth about Mallory and Irvine

Mark Synnott's book, "The Third Pole," is a thrilling portrait of Mount Everest that explores the mountain's history, tragedy, and human aspiration. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Sports Book Awards and follows Synnott's ascent up the North Face to find Sandy Irvine's body and camera, which had never been found. The book also examines how science, business, and politics have changed who climbs Everest and why it continues to have a magnetic draw on explorers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Mark Synnott, a veteran climber, embarked on an expedition to Mount Everest, driven by a century-old mystery surrounding George Mallory and Sandy Irvine's 1924 attempt. Despite never planning to climb the mountain, Synnott was captivated by the allure of the expedition, which revealed a history of passionate adventure, chilling tragedy, and human aspiration.

In 1924, Mallory and Irvine were last seen, just 800 feet shy of Everest's summit. Their fate remains a mystery to this day, with no definitive answer as to whether they achieved their goal of being the first to reach the top. Irvine carried a camera with him to document their attempt, but it, along with his body, has never been found.

Synnott's quest took on a deeper dimension as he made his ascent up the infamous North Face, driven by a desire to uncover Irvine's body and the camera. However, during a season described as "the one that broke Everest," a tragic traffic jam of climbers at the summit resulted in the deaths of several individuals. Synnott's mission expanded beyond solving the original mystery, becoming an attempt to understand the madness of the mountain and its enduring magnetic draw on explorers.

The Third Pole, by Mark Synnott, delves into the profound changes that science, business, and politics have brought about in the world of Everest climbing. It offers a thrilling portrait of the mountain spanning a century, highlighting the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped its history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Synnott sheds light on the evolving dynamics that have shaped the Everest climbing community and the challenges that lie ahead.

In conclusion, The Third Pole by Mark Synnott is a must-read for anyone with an interest in mountaineering, adventure, and the human spirit. It offers a captivating exploration of the history, mystery, and allure of Mount Everest, providing a deeper understanding of the mountain and its enduring impact on explorers. Synnott's writing is masterful, taking readers on a journey that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, and his passion for climbing shines through on every page.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472273697