A diverse collection of five books has made in onto the shortlist for this year’s Boardman Tasker award, with previous winner, Joe Simpson nominated again. The three judges for the coveted award said there had been were 24 entries which were generally of a very good quality and came from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada and South Africa. The range of subject matter included biography, fiction, much historical material (Everest and K2 continue to fascinate writers), travel accounts and spiritual journeys.
The judges for 2011, Barry Imeson (Chair), Bernard Newman and Lindsay Griffin, announced the following shortlist with their summary comments on each book:
Desert Towers by Steve ‘Crusher’ Bartlett, “A strikingly illustrated history of climbing on the sandstone pillars of the Colorado Plateau.”
Murder in the Hindu Kush by Tim Hannigan, “A page turning story of George Hayward’s impressive explorations in the Western Himalaya and the conflicting stories surrounding his murder in the Hindu Kush.”
Freedom Climbers by Bernadette McDonald, “The story of how Polish climbers emerged after the Second World War and the rigours of the Russian occupation,to dominate high altitude climbing.”
The Sound of Gravity by Joe Simpson, “An atmospheric novel of life, loss and redemption in the high Alps.”
Shadow of the Matterhorn by Ian Smith, “A well researched biography charting Edward Whymper’s journey from apprentice engraver to celebrated mountaineer and explorer.”