In addition to his world-famous exploits in the Himalayas--including the first solo ascent of Mount Everest--Reinhold Messner" "has crossed Anarctica and Greenland on foot. He is the author of more than thirty books, including "Everest, The Crystal Horizon, Free Spirit," and, most recently, "The Second Death of George Mallory "(also available from St. Martin's Press). He lives in a castle in the Italian Alps.