Life on the Edge: Memoirs of Everest and Beyond »

There have been many "firsts" in Jim Whittaker's life. He was the first North American to summit Mount Everest. As the first manager and employee, and ultimately the CEO, of fledgling Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), he guided the company through years of record-setting growth. He guided Bobby Kennedy up the newly named Mount Kennedy, helping him to become the first person to summit the Canadian peak. He led the historic International Peace Climb, which put climbers from the U.S., Russia, and China on the summit of Everest in the name of world peace.

Jim Whittaker's achievement on Everest and his many successes before and after are the natural outcome of a life driven by a passion for outdoor adventure combined with strong leadership qualities and a commitment to making a difference.

This honest, revealing autobiography features all the major events in Whittaker's life: his formative years spent climbing with his twin brother Lou; the creation of REI and years of work growing the company; his intimate friendship with the Kennedys and the new world into which he was launched after his success on Everest; his major expeditions on K2 and Everest; a business partnership that resulted in bankruptcy; a failed marriage; a new marriage and a new family; and his new challenges beyond the mountains. In A Life on the Edge, readers will discover a true hero—someone who tells his story not to boast or preach but to share his love of the environment and outdoor adventure and to inspire others to seek challenges in their own lives.

Featuring a 24-page color photo insert and 50 b&w photos.

Hood River News

Whittaker writes engagingly about many topics_politics, business, the environment, religion while displaying keen curiosity about the world.

It is fascinating to accompany him vicariously on his treks to some of the world's most formidable peaks. His discussion on the physical, technical and emotional challenges of mountain climbing is insightful, occasionally humorous, and periodically terrifying.