Hillary's life climbs beyond Everest

It was 50 years ago, on May 29, 1953, that Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand beekeeper, and Tenzing Norgay, his Sherpa climbing partner, reached the summit of Mount Everest — the first successful ascent of the world's tallest summit. Most publications on Hillary have focused only on this, his most well-known feat. This new book refreshingly targets the difference Hillary has made in the lifestyle of the Sherpa people in the five decades following his legendary climb.

Hillary has never taken much credit for his post-climb accomplishments in Nepal, and this book gives about 80 percent of its space to those feats (the rest is devoted to the climb itself). It reveals the modest Hillary as an even greater hero — one who is more concerned with humanitarian needs than adventurous conquests.

"Before (Hillary), a Sherpa could be a potato farmer or an expedition porter," said Mingma Norbu, a Nepal resident. "That was it. Now that has changed. Because of Sir Ed a 12-year-old boy or girl can say, 'My life can be different.' " Sir Ed has allowed the Sherpas to help themselves. Sherpas are acquiring a new mindset. We are saying, 'I can do this.' "

In 1961, Hillary directed the building of the first of two dozen schools. He also helped construct hospitals, and his climb brought the tourist trade and a reputation to Nepal that would come no other way.

"The people (of Nepal) regard him (Hillary) as a savior, as a devoted father who has provided them an education, well-paying jobs, and longer and healthier lives. And by returning to the Solu-Khumu year after year to see what must be done, he has set an example for mankind," the authors state.

This book includes dozens of intimate color photographs that illustrate the old and the new lifestyle of the Sherpas.

"Sherpas have money as never before," say the authors. "They spend it on jewelry, watches, radios, sleek sweaters, down parkas, alcohol and parties — and, now that electricity has come to many Khumbu villages, the big item is television. Upgrading the houses with glass windows and galvanized iron roofs was top priority several years ago. Hand-split shingles and paper windows have all but disappeared. People who return to visit Namche after 10 years are thunderstruck by the changes."

None can read this book without admiring Hillary in a much more profound manner. Many athletes are only superb at their sport, but Hillary is also a superb human being.

The book also contains perhaps the best layman's map ever of Mount Everest, outlining the key features and hazards. Pictures in the book range from spectacular and nostalgic shots of Everest to touching and emotional insights into Sherpa life.

The oversize book — at 9-by-12 inches — a vantage point of Nepal usually never seen in previous books on Hillary or Everest.

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E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com