Camp One: April 13, 1996 - 19,500 Feet Summary and Analysis

Krakauer considers himself to perhaps be delusional, along with many of the other climbers on the mountain at the same time, in thinking that he has what it takes to be successful at climbing Everest. He writes about the unexplainable pull that the mountain has for many people, including Tenzing Norgay, who had accompanied an unsuccessful mission with a Canadian named Denman in 1947 despite knowing that it would not be successful. In an excerpt included by Krakauer, Tenzing describes how he could not pass up the opportunity even though he knew it would fail. The team made it to 22,000 feet before turning back.

Krakauer describes the attempt of an Englishman named Wilson who made an attempt earlier, in 1933. Despite physical and legal obstacles, Wilson sneaks into Tibet, treks to the mountain, and doggedly...