This book, through spectacular photographs and enthralling first-hand accounts, provides a unique recounting of the magnificent exploits and the terrible tragedies that have occurred on K2, the highest peak in the Karakoram range, from the earliest explorations to the latest ascents completed in the Nineties. Here is the legendary expedition of 1909 led by Luigi Amedeo of Savoy, the Duke of the Abruzzi, which reached an altitude of 6,000 metres; here, too, is the first successful ascent, by Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli in 1954, as members of the Italian team led by Ardito Desio. Readers can follow the struggles of the Americans to conquer K2, in five expeditions, successful at last in 1978, as well as the experiences of dozens more expeditions that resulted in many triumphs...and many deaths. This unique collection of historical and modern photographs alone makes this volume a must-have title for every mountaineer's library.