The Untrodden Andes, by C. G. Egeler and T. de Booy. Foreword by Sir Edmund Hillary. Translated from the Dutch by W. E. James. 203 pages, 51 photographs, 9 maps and sketches. London: Faber and Faber Ltd., 1954. Price, 25 s.

Egeler and de Booy have climbed together in the Alps. Together they dreamed, as they learned to climb, of a journey to a distant land and a great untrodden mountain. The dream unfolded as they formed a Dutch geological expedition to Peru, and it was fulfilled when with Lionel Terray they reached the summit of Nevado Huantsan.

The ascent of Huantsan was not an easy one, and considering the difficulties of the mountain it was quite a feat for such a small party. The authors state that their success was largely due to Terray’s skill and drive. Luck also played a part when de Booy fell 300 feet and stopped unhurt. Storms battered them; routes did not work out, and it was not until the third assault that they were successful. All in all it was a pretty exciting show.

The authors have chronicled their experiences well, both in words and photographs. The story of this expedition will hold your interest throughout, from its humble beginnings in Holland to its triumphant conclusion in Peru.

Richard K. Irvin