In the quest for ever more demanding goals, conquering the highest summit on each of the seven continents has for many become the ultimate feat. This book provides a fascinating insight into the mountains themselves, the nature of the challenge and the extraordinary people who have climbed all seven. Mountain essays reveal the character of each summit and describe routes and historic ascents. The majority of the book comprises a unique collection of personal diaries and accounts, written by seven summiteers themselves, that detail the exhilarating and harrowing experiences of climbers ensnared by the dream and stretched to the limits. Seven Summits captures the drama, the grit and the beauty of a global challenge that has inspired mountaineers and armchair enthusiasts alike. - The only complete and fully illustrated record of this great mountaineering challenge - Stunning, evocative colour photography and fascinating real-life stories convey the endeavour, the pain and the glory of this renowned climbing feat - Contains a unique collection of diaries written by both foremost mountaineers and daring amateurs from around the world