Unless everyone knows already - my recommendation is Heinrich Harrer's book " The White Spider ". I think it was my first mountaineering book and if you read it properly and try to understand the context in which most of the early climbs were carried out (as tonyk states *) you will be astounded at their bravery. No surprise it's original name was Eiger Nordwand.
* - Marked since I'm intrigued at this nom de plume : - as you will be if you read White Spider.
Not wishing to give anything away but I remember reading the harrowing account of the 1936 expedition that included Hinterstoisser/Kurz/Angerer/Rainer and what an ill fated attempt it became. The whole account is moving ..... but I have to admit at reading the story with tears in my eyes when the account about Kurz unfolds.
The good thing about this book (amongst other things) is that you find out how the names of the famous features of the Eiger came about - e.g. The Hinterstoisser Traverse for one.
If you have the inclination - read it and then think about what April just posted: It really puts Ueli's achievement into context:- well, you did wonder if superman existed !
Tune in next month for my second BOOK CLUB recommendation.
