Behind Everest is a captivating exploration of Ruth Mallory, wife of legendary Everest climber George Mallory, and Kate Nicholson’s parallel journey a century later.
Kate’s two decades of research into Ruth Mallory’s life took her to forgotten archives in the UK and USA, conversations with those who knew the Mallorys, and access to rare private collections. She has uncovered the real story of Ruth and George’s marriage, including George’s relationships with other women. Ruth Mallory was a pioneering climber in her own right and co-founded the UK’s first all-female rock climbing club, the Pinnacle Club, which Kate herself joins to experience the challenges and triumphs of the sport in an attempt to understand her subject more deeply.
This book goes beyond Everest, offering a profound glimpse into a marriage, early female climbers, and the lasting impact of the First World War, the League of Nations, and the British Empire. Through Ruth’s lens, Kate paints a vivid portrait of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of adventure. She delves into Ruth’s attitude toward danger, reflecting on how our perceptions of risk and responsibility have evolved.
A masterful blend of personal and historical narratives, Kate will encourage us to scale the heights of human experience and will uncover for us the untold story of the Mallorys.
Talk length: 1 hour including Q&A, followed by a book signing.
