When Men & Mountains Meet

Discover the enthralling world of mountaineering and adventure with H. W. Tilman’s classic memoir, *When Men & Mountains Meet*. This engaging paperback, measuring 156 x 216 mm with 260 pages, captures the spirit of exploration through the lens of a seasoned adventurer. First published in 1946, this gripping account chronicles Tilman's challenging expeditions into the uncharted Assam Himalaya and Sikkim. Experience the triumphs and tribulations of climbing amidst treacherous environments, where the relentless jungle tested the mettle of Tilman and his crew.

Delve into thrilling narratives of ice climbing, the mysterious Abominable Snowman, and the profound impact of World War II on Tilman’s life and adventures. His candid reflections on the challenges faced during these exploratory journeys offer valuable insights for avid climbers and adventurers alike. With themes of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of the unknown, *When Men & Mountains Meet* resonates with outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and lovers of biographical tales.

Perfect for those with a passion for adventure and a yearning for the mountains, this book is a must-read in the climbing and adventure literature genre. Immerse yourself in the lessons of strenuousness overcoming sloth, and let H.W. Tilman's experiences inspire your next expedition into the heart of nature. Order your copy today and embark on a journey that blends adventure with history, only at Smartfox NZ.

Author: H. W. Tilman Publisher: Lodestar Books
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 156 x 216 mm
Pages: 260
Publication Date: 01-03-2016

We had climbed a mountain and crossed a pass; been wet, cold, hungry, frightened, and withal happy. One more Himalayan season was over. It was time to begin thinking of the next. ‘Strenuousness is the immortal path, sloth is the way of death.’ First published in 1946, the scope of H.W. ‘Bill’ Tilman’s When Men & Mountains Meet is broad, covering his disastrous expedition to the Assam Himalaya, a small exploratory trip into Sikkim, and then his wartime heroics. In the thirties, Assam was largely unknown and unexplored. It proved a challenging environment for Tilman’s party, the jungle leaving the men mosquito-bitten and suffering with tropical diseases, and thwarting their mountaineering success. Sikkim proved altogether more successful. Tilman, who is once again happy and healthy, enjoys some exploratory ice climbing and discovers Abominable Snowman tracks, particularly remarkable as the creature appeared to be wearing boots—‘there is no reason why he should not have picked up a discarded pair at the German Base Camp and put them to their obvious use.’ And then, in 1939, war breaks out. With good humour and characteristic understatement we hear about Tilman’s remarkable Second World War. After digging gun pits on the Belgian border and in Iraq, he was dropped by parachute behind enemy lines to fight alongside Albanian and Italian partisans. Tilman was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts—and the keys to the city of Belluno, which he helped save from occupation and destruction. Tilman’s comments on the German approach to Himalayan climbing could equally be applied to his guerrilla warfare ethos. ‘They spent a lot of time and money and lost a lot of climbers and porters, through bad luck and more often through bad judgement.’ While elsewhere the war machine rumbled on, Tilman’s war was fast, exciting, lightweight and foolhardy—and makes for gripping reading.