Everest - The First Solo Ascent On 20 August 1980 Reinhold Messner reached the summit of Everest - alone and without the use of oxygen. His vivid account of this extraordinary achievement forms the core of The Crystal Horizon. Messner describes with clarity and passion his journey through Tibet. He identifies with legendary mountaineers who have been before him - Mallory, Irvine and Wilson come to life as he makes his ascent to "the roof of the world". AUTHOR: Legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner has written many books including All 14 Eight-Thousanders for Crowood. 60 colour photos