Mallory didn't make it first as everyone knows where the ENglish go the Germans get their towels down first

Seriously though it is just a theory based on what could have happened. There is no insult either actual or implied

I think the book definitely cannot be considered as an insult to Sir Edmund. Its a partial fictional work making a fascinating reading. A tribute to the courageous efforts of a devoted man.

I've just the read the book and was absolutely fascinated by the story and couldn't wait to find out how it ended. It's prompted me to spend hours reading information about Mallory, Hillary, Everest etc. I thought it was a really well-written story and it does leave you wondering whether Mallory and Irvine actually made it. I like to think they did, but that takes absolutely nothing away from Hillary and Tenzing's phenomenal achievement as the first to make it to the top and back home again. Still, if it's ever proven that Mallory and Irvine made it there first (only the missing Kodak camera would do this), the record books should note this - if Armstrong and Aldrin hadn't made it back to Earth in 1969, would anyone dare to suggest that they weren't the first humans to land on the moon? Hardly.

i dont belive this is an insult

As a New Zealander, and having just finished reading this great book, I in no way find it an insult to Sir Ed. There has always been speculation as to whether Mallory made it to the summit first, and, as far as I can see, unless they find the camera, it will remain just that. There are opinions that he did make it, there are opinions that he didn't.

Finally, at the end of the book, he includes Sir Ed saying that he was the first to "conquer" Everest, and even included a section on Mallory's grandson, stating that Sir Ed was the first to conquer Everest as he made it to the summit AND back.

So, an insult? Not at all. Perhaps the book should be read first, before comment made.

What if Hillary, whom I respect alot found that picture of Ruth on the summit of Everest and destroyed it. All evidence is gone. who knows about the Kodak camera. With not that many bodies on Everest @ that time maybe Mallory and Irvine were easy to spot. Just a thought. I am a tremendously huge Mallory and Cottie Sanders admirer. I really want to believe Mallory and Irvine conquered Everest but the the cold and terraine could have done them in, butI am still waiting for some valid evidence. Unfortunately time is the enemy.

I'm with 'jimmy': How is this an "insult"? Honestly, I was under the impression that New Zealanders were easy going and fun loving. I guess Peter Jackson & the Flight of thre Conchords are the exception? I doubt that. Regardless, as has been stated before, Hillary made it back alive and Mallory, tragically, did not. Therefore, Hillary holds the record. Archer, in his book, makes no bones about this. Where is the insult? Like jimmy said prevously, rubbish (and typical Internet nonsense).

stupid article...

George Mallory may well have got to the top of Everest,though the evidence is admittedly inconclusive. The fact remains that he or Irvine did not return, and in the words of another distinguished climber; " going up is optional, coming down is essential". In this sense Mallory and Irving failed. This takes nothing away from Hillary or rightful New Zealand pride in a great man. Hillary and Tensing were the first. I am English through and through and can say I am just as proud of Hillary. These were the first, the few,the essential adveturers. It is a constant dissapontment to me that the 1300 or so who have followed are to my own mind pointless and selfish climbs centered on total self aggrandisment and intense personal ego. Not what the likes of Mallory or Hillary had in mind at all. Its been done to death, literally!

Could we just set one tiny fact straight in amongst all the brooh ha had about this book? The comment by Mr Dingle about Mallory picking Irvine only because of a homosexual attraction is disproved by letters found in 1999 that show Mallory had chosen Irvine as his climbing partner before they had even reached base camp. As to Archer's fiction. It is just that.