Since her summit success on K2, the world's most difficult eight-thousander, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and her husband and rope partner Ralf Dujmovits have become well-known to the general public. By climbing the second highest mountain in the world in 2011, Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner became the first woman ever to climb all 14 eight-thousanders without the aid of bottled oxygen. Ralf Dujmovits was the first German to complete the series back in 2009 with his ascent of Lhotse.
The book 2 x 14 eight-thousanders, which was recently published by Bruckmann Verlag, recounts many of the experiences of the two top mountaineers on the world's highest mountains in words and pictures.
Despite the numerous, large-format photos, the book is not an illustrated book. Instead, each of the eight-thousanders is given its own chapter with texts in which Ralf Dumovits in particular describes his experiences and impressions very personally. Of course, it is about great successes, such as the joint ascent of Lhotse in 2009, but also about the art of turning back in time - and also about tragic accidents, such as the fall of alpinist and freeskier Fredrik Ericsson on K2. Of course, the relationship between the two authors and protagonists is also a theme in the book. From their first meeting on Manaslu to numerous joint and separate expeditions, the reader is taken along from the base camps to the high camps and up to the highest peaks in the world. The text is supplemented not only by the aforementioned pictures, but also by numerous quotes and excerpts from Ralf and Gerlinde's expedition diaries. As a reader, you not only get an impression of the conditions of an eight-thousander expedition, but also an insight into the moments of doubt, fear and happiness that the two authors often experienced within a few hours during their expeditions. Conclusion: Great photos, but much more than a picture book. Entertaining, very personal stories, especially from Ralf Dujmovits. A great read, not just for mountaineers! 2 x 14 eight-thousandersAuthors: Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and Ralf Dujmovits
160 pages
Published in 2012 by Bruckmann Verlag (can be ordered here)
Price: 39.95 euros