The First Attempt on the North Face and The Tragedy of Toni Kurz Summary and Analysis

In "The First Attempt on the North Face," the author defends climbers, stating that while people attempt to psychoanalyze climbers and trace the desire for adventure to psychological problems, climbing requires psychological health and balance. A longing for adventure and progress is natural, but the reaction to hazardous endeavors is either condemnation or praise, depending fickly on failure or success. Climbing is a personal task, with no social benefit, admittedly. However, the author admires courage and the drive to adventure for their own sake.

The first two men to attempt the North Face were Max Sedlmayer and Karl Mehringer, who tried the climb in 1935. They took six days' provisions. The weather of the North Face is always...