Kindle
$9.99
Available instantly
Hardcover
$40.14
Paperback
$33.45
Buy new:
$33.45
FREE delivery Tuesday, June 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon
Sold by: Allsentials
$33.45
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, June 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$33.45 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$33.45
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon
Ships from
Amazon
Sold by
Allsentials
Sold by
Allsentials
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$16.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Used, with light wear. The spine is solid, pages unmarked. Tracking and shipping provided by Amazon. BUY with confidence from an experienced, well-ranked company. Used, with light wear. The spine is solid, pages unmarked. Tracking and shipping provided by Amazon. BUY with confidence from an experienced, well-ranked company. See less
FREE delivery June 6 - 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery June 4 - 7
$$33.45 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$33.45
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Reinhold Messner
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Crystal Horizon: Everest-The First Solo Ascent Paperback – January 1, 1989

by Reinhold Messner (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 90 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$33.45","priceAmount":33.45,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"33","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"45","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"WzTc%2FdRDc70VCByZOALe9T%2FIfYvP0SR2c2MsP3gkxBMUsLqeR5XgWFgW2EgAMNwB2uNV2rOHExBZfNVolmBYUzLM8w%2FJSyX7biY44EAKKGSq77G5WuZKnBmDBWOveF7oaOC0jc9ojASmd5nKOYvghziOZhO42fTwEWITy%2F8SLy8twpbhTbLD4OdVUIjBN%2BZ4","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$16.95","priceAmount":16.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"WzTc%2FdRDc70VCByZOALe9T%2FIfYvP0SR2AB3cJnqQRlk3NUR90ndWh2MctD5NnSj3%2BunSu5mbnoqBk4q7DH1Slmgh2o3zfIiFzsepuE%2FMOW60DRed2%2FE3Dwco%2B2urkfDO4yrXf0EfWKPflrnFDqJjpPXWHVf1qMdOVN4eb2Yv%2FjReUVdwDNz0rw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons


* More than an adventure, this captures Messner's reflections on Tibet and the climbers who have gone before him
* Messner ranks among the most accomplished mountaineers in history
* This edition brings a mountaineering classic back into print

On August 20, 1980, Reinhold Messner, the world-renowned master of alpine-style climbing, became the first person to reach the summit of Everest solo and without supplemental oxygen. A vivid account of Messner's expedition, The Crystal Horizon also reflects on how he explored his innermost thoughts while facing the most extreme physical challenge he had ever encountered. The furthest point for mind and body he calls his crystal horizon.

Inspired by the legendary mountaineers George Mallory and Maurice Wilson, Messner embarked on a year-long journey through Tibet to the glittering light and rarified air at the roof of the world. More than an adventure story, this is Messner's profound reflection on his emotional reactions to Tibet, the challenges he faced, and the explorations of selfñinspired by this amazing journey.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    324 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Mountaineers Books
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1989
  5. Dimensions
    6.24 x 0.79 x 9.01 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0898865743
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0898865745
  8. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

The Crystal Horizon: Everest-The First Solo Ascent
$33.45
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jun 4
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by Allsentials and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
Reinhold Messner: My Life At The Limit (Legends and Lore)
$19.17
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 3
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by NovelPro and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
All Fourteen 8,000ers
$40.00
Get it as soon as Friday, May 31
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Control
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

His descriptons are first-rate. One can almost hear the crunch of the ice beneath his crampons and the roar of the high atmosphere wind. Even knowing the outcome, the reader will find the step-by-step suspense of the endeavor riveting... An instant classic in mountaineering literature.-- "The Washington Times"

Makes for extraordinary reading.-- "Adirondack magazine"

About the Author

REINHOLD MESSNER is often called the greatest living mountaineer. He was the first man to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen, the first to solo Everest, and the first to climb all fourteen of the world's 8,000-meter peaks. He is the author of numerous books, including The Crystal Horizon and Antarctica.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mountaineers Books; First Edition (January 1, 1989)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0898865743
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0898865745
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.5 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.24 x 0.79 x 9.01 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 90 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reinhold Messner

Reinhold Messner

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
90 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

LOSER4LIFE
5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2012
Verified Purchase
Everest is a household name and has been for a long time all over the world. I was very impressed with this book. I learned more about Tibet, its people, religion and history than you will ever be taught in a western school. This book is full of fantastic photos of this region and its people. The logistics of this feat and polotics of dealing with the Chinese as well as the cost amazed me. His trip was difficult before he ever began the trek to the mountain itself. This mountain is constantly assaulted by huge (and well financed) expeditions mostly from the southern (easier) route. This book follows Messner on the north side of the mountain which is a more difficult route. It takes more than freakish genetics, an insane no quit attitude, and the mental toughness to deal with doing this totally alone. You have to luck into good weather. Messner left a female companion at a camp of 6500 meters (enough to kill most mortals in itself) and took his all his provisions on his back. Carrying a mere 10 lbs at this altitude would be the equivalent of hiking 15 miles over unstable terrain with a fat girl on your back breathing through a straw. No ropes, no Sherpa support, no radio, no crevasse ladders, and no help if he got into trouble. And he pulled this off. Messner is one of the toughest human beings I have ever seen.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ron Alan Pierce
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply A Fabulous Book
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
An outstanding book, about probably the most incredible Himalayan ascent of any 8000+ meter peak. Climbing Mt. Everest solo without ANY support from Sherpas or any other climbers, with an unheard-of 4-person 'expedition' (only with his girlfriend, a mandated Chinese military 'liaison officer', and a translator), no 'fixed ropes', no bottled oxygen. Not only that, he ventured forth in the 'monsoon' of summer when other climbers fear to tread the high mountains of that region. The achievement in itself is a worthy read, but Messner is a sensitive and philosophical person, who engages with the cultures and people en route, and ably shares all of that with us as well. Messner is not only the finest high-altitude mountaineer in history, he is also fabulous writer, and the translation from the original German (he is Austrian, from the Tyrolean Alps) is faithful to his style and nature. I have a very large collection of mountaineering books, and this at or near the top. Not because of an epic survival (like Touching The Void), or epic disaster (Into Thin Air) but because of an epic vision carried to completion, against impossible odds, and wise perspectives on things other than just the mountain.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
LAURA McPherson
4.0 out of 5 stars A legend told by a legend
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
Messner really could have benefited from a firm editor, but the dude climbed Everest alone post-monsoon without Os so who was going to correct him really?
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
shlo
5.0 out of 5 stars 👍🏻
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
The quality of the book is good.
Got it very fest. And I like it!
Helpful
 Report
billsensei
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to keep and read again
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Best book I have ever read without doubt. Takes you completely into the journey and makes you feel very much part of the achievement. His writing style can be stilted but just a must have for any armchair or real adventurer's bookshelf.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
TT
1.0 out of 5 stars Low quality on Kindle
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
Kindle version is from Internet Archive and quality is not good.
Helpful
 Report
David
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Philosophical (arrogant) Travel Book-Not Much Mountaineering
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2012
Verified Purchase
I bought this expecting some good hair-raising style mountaineering story--not at all what I got! I would say three quarters of the book is a combination of Messner's praise for himself and arrogant musings about how he feels superior to other human beings, the process of getting a permit to climb Mount Everst and his extended trip to get there, and a regular account from his (seemingly) girl friend who never really understands Messner's self-centered ways. Finally only at the very last 30-40 pages of the book does he recount any mountaineering on Everest. Sure it was interesting to learn about China and Tibet, just not what I expected. His arrogant and philosophical musings on the other hand, although I'm sure we're all a bit self-centered, were a bit out of place, and the journal entries from his girlfriend really throw a dim light on his character. Not that I expected him to be perfect, but if he wanted to connect with his audience he could've showed more personality. As far as the writting goes, I thought it was grammatically ok although I had to read several sentences over a few times before I understood them, but that wasn't enough for me to dislike the book. Overall it was an enjoyable read, but if you're interested in real mountaineering books I would look elsewhere (Beyond the Mountain is my favorite so far).
Helpful
 Report
mikey
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
One of the best books that I have ever read. A wonderful story about love, mountains, a people and a life philosophy.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Leonardo Oliveira Broilo
1.0 out of 5 stars Não comprem o Kindle
Reviewed in Brazil on March 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
O livro está todo mal editado, cheio de erros, incompreensível pelo Kindle. Uma pena. Queria tê-lo conseguido ler, não consegui. Estava inelegível.
Report
Brian Manky
5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
Reviewed in Canada on January 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
This was a gift for my son who has actually climbed Everest and he said the book is excellent.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Es como estar ahí!!!!! Maravilloso
Reviewed in Mexico on July 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
Es un excelente libro, con muchas fotos y descripciones que te transportan a la montaña.
Report
erikduckworth
5.0 out of 5 stars A masterclass of its kind ! !
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 16, 2018
Verified Purchase
For someone who does not like heights I am enthralled by the skill ,dedication & extreme courage of these men & women who put themselves in mortal danger most of the time. This wonderful book , without pretence or glorification gets to the heart of what drives “ moutaineers’ “ on. It is beautifully written & I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in climbing. Excellent !
One person found this helpful
 Report
Eric Blair
5.0 out of 5 stars Un exploit total
Reviewed in France on October 28, 2009
Verified Purchase
Messner raconte l'histoire des ascensions de l'Everest puis la sienne propre, un solo hivernal de la face nord, un de ses nombreux exploits, mais probablement le plus abouti. C'est un journal complet qui dépasse le simple cadre du récit d'alpinisme. Un livre très personnel dans lequel Messner développe aussi sa conception de l'alpinisme, contrairement à ce que l'on pourrait penser, très loin de l'alpinisme spectacle. Le livre fait une place de choix à son amie de l'époque qui l'a accompagné dans ses reconnaissances avancées. Le Tibet est aussi très présent dans l'ouvrage. C'est au total un luxe rare que de pouvoir partager ses expériences et ses sentiments et l'on doit le remercier de nous l'avoir permis.
One person found this helpful
 Report