Paths of Glory (U)

A novel about one man s extraordinary quest to climb Mt. Everest from the one writer who could bring such a towering, epic tale vividly to life#1 New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey ArcherSome people have dreams that are so magnificent that if they were to achieve them, their place in history would be guaranteed. But what if one man had such a dream and once he d fulfilled it, there was no proof that he had achieved his ambition?PATHS OF GLORYThis is the story of such a man George Mallory. He once told an American reporter that he wanted to climb Mt. Everest because it s there. On his third attempt in 1924, at age thirty-seven, he was last seen six hundred feet from the top. His body was found in 1999. And it still remains a mystery whether he ever reached the summit There isn t a better storyteller alive. Larry King A storyteller in the class of Alexandre Dumas. Washington Post Archer is a master entertainer. TimePublishers WeeklyVeteran actor Roger Allam brings an impressive range and energy to Archer's historical novel. The tale finds its inspiration in the real-life mystery surrounding adventurer George Mallory, who may-or may not-have reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1924 before perishing in the ice and snow. Allam's remarkable accents are the highlight of the audio book, especially in his brief but highly memorable turn as a colorful American agent who organizes a rather exploitative and ethically dubious publicity tour for Mallory. Allam also shines in his portrayal of Mallory's devoted wife, Ruth, who chooses to mask her doubts and fears in order to support her husband's lifelong dream of climbing to the highest point on the planet. Admittedly, Archer's text offers a hero who would rather explore mountains than the depths of moral or psychological complexity, but Allam's performance renders the listening experience entertaining. A St. Martin's hardcover (Reviews, Jan. 5). (Mar.)Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.