NANGA PARBAT ADVENTURE By Fritz Bechtold. Translated by H. E.
G. Tyndale Photography has as yet offered no greater marvel than this book (John Murray, 10s. 6d.). Even the high standard which the public have come to expect for illustrations of mountain scenery becomes no more than average by comparison. All those who appreciate superb design and magnificent execution will feel really grateful to the publishers for an English edition.' The outline of the disasters suffered by this German Expedition is comparatively well known, but the full version is amply justified by both the text and the illustrations. Drexel, one of the climbers, succumbed to pneumonia half-way up Nanga Parbat's gigantic flank. The Expedition never regained the time thus lost. Three other- climbers (including Merkl, the leader) and six porters lost their lives in the final attempt to reach the summit. The agony. of the survivors, who could see their companions' battle far life only a few hundred yards away, can be imagined; • but the appalling weather conditions, coupled with the lack of food and supplies, precluded any successful attempt at rescue., . This book is indeed a fitting tribute to a most courageous- but a very tragic failure.
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