From Tasker's beginnings, starting to climb as a release from a seminary education, to a harrowing climax on K2, this book provides a compelling read. Told in a sparse and understated way, it nevertheless provides deep insights into what drove him to return again and again to the high mountains.

One of the all time classics.

This book describes the adventures of one of the most dedicated climbers ever. His drive is so strong that one knows that he will be either successful or dead. He was an accomplished leader in the climbing world and is now dead. Some talk the talk, he walked the walk. The text is blunt, honest and irresistible. I have lent my copy to many friends who have all enjoyed it.

Savage Arena is the best climbing book I have read. This book combines thrilling adventures with Tasker's personal reflections on why he pursued this dangerous sport. The manuscript was delivered to his publisher before his departure for Everest, where he disappeared. I highly recommend this book.

Peter Boardman, (now dead from a subsequent mountaineering accident), in this book relates his successful 1976 two-man climb with Joe Tasker up the west wall of Changabang in the Garhwal Himalaya. The hardships of an Alpine-type assualt on this monster mountain are related, as are the doubts and fears he experiences, along with the disciplined mental state he cultivates to banish them.

The most curiously attractive thing about the book is the young author's thinking: clear, intelligent, and able to remain focused on each task at hand under the most extraordinary circumstances. The reader follows PB through each portion of the ascent and descent as he and Joe Tasker face and eliminate seemingly impossible obstacles one by one. The rhythm of the tale told feels right. It moves forward at a careful and deliberate pace, never puffed up or pedantic.

An emotional epilogue by climber Chris Bonington underscores Boardman's achievements both on the mountain, as a climber, and off, as a gentle human being.

You should buy it if you are into mountaineering at all. This should be on the shelf of every would-be, aspiring or armchair mountaineer.
It's long, but worth it.

This book delivers one of the most comprehensive perspective on climbing in the Himalayas. With vivid descriptions of successful (and unsuccessful) climbs of a variety of peaks in the Himalayas plus descriptions of the North Face of the Eiger and the Snow Mountains of New Guinea, this book demonstrates the versatility of these two gentlemen.

The drama and imagery shines through the writing of both Tasker and Boardman. With details on the first ascents of the West Face of Changabang, the Southeast ridge of Dunagiri, the Northwest ridge of Kangchenjunga and more, this book is a treasure trove of great climbing. There are occasional technical terms but they demonstrate the effort and intensity of these two climbers. A great choice.

Having read inumerable books on mountaineering, I wasn't prepared for the impact of this one. I've read "Fragile Edge" by Maria Coffey, (it is excellent, she was Tasker's girlfriend)about her and Hillary Boardman's experiences following the deaths of Boardman and Tasker, and wasn't prepared for the emotional impact of this book. It is probably one of the best I've read. Boardman's style gripped me, and brought home what a terrible tragedy his death was for the literary community. I believe there are "writing climbers" and "climbing writers"; Boardman was definitely a gifted climber who wrote beautifully. This book should be in anyone's library who loves mountains and adventure travel.