Seven Years in Tibet – Heinrich Harrer | 1953 First UK Edition, Third Printing, Original Dustwrapper

Author: Heinrich Harrer
Introduction: Peter Fleming
Publisher: Rupert Hart-Davis, London
Publication Date: 1953
Edition: First UK Edition, Third Printing
Binding: Original hardback binding with pictorial dustwrapper
Condition: Near Fine book in Very Good dustwrapper
Stock Code: 004246
Location: Bookroom

Description

An exceptionally attractive copy of Heinrich Harrer’s celebrated travel and exploration memoir, Seven Years in Tibet, published by Rupert Hart-Davis in 1953. First UK edition, third printing, retaining its scarce original photographic dustwrapper, now protected in an easily removable clear acetate archival cover.

One of the most famous accounts of twentieth-century exploration and life in Tibet, Seven Years in Tibet recounts Harrer’s extraordinary experiences following his internment in British India during the Second World War, his escape across the Himalayas and his eventual arrival in Lhasa, the then largely inaccessible Tibetan capital. Harrer describes his remarkable journey through the Himalayan mountains, the hardships of travelling through remote and unfamiliar territory, and his gradual immersion in Tibetan society. His account provides a detailed portrait of the country’s religious traditions, social customs, landscape and everyday life during the final years before the Chinese military intervention of 1950. Of particular historical significance is Harrer’s friendship with the young Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. Harrer became one of his tutors, introducing him to aspects of Western science, geography and technology. Their friendship continued long after Harrer’s departure from Tibet.

The narrative concludes against the backdrop of the dramatic political changes that brought an end to the Tibet Harrer had come to know. Illustrated with photographs, the book remains an important first-hand account of Tibet in the mid-twentieth century and an enduring classic of travel and exploration literature.

Heinrich Harrer (1912–2006)

Heinrich Harrer was an Austrian mountaineer, explorer, author and photographer, internationally recognised for his Himalayan adventures and his friendship with the Fourteenth Dalai Lama.

An accomplished mountaineer, Harrer participated in the celebrated first ascent of the North Face of the Eiger in 1938. In 1939 he travelled to the Himalayas as part of a German expedition to Nanga Parbat but was interned in British India following the outbreak of the Second World War. After several escape attempts, Harrer and fellow mountaineer Peter Aufschnaiter successfully escaped and eventually reached Tibet, where Harrer spent several years before returning to Europe.

His experiences formed the basis of Seven Years in Tibet, which became an international bestseller and was subsequently adapted into a major motion picture in 1997. Harrer’s life also remains historically controversial because of his membership of the Nazi Party and SS before the war, an aspect of his biography distinct from the remarkable geographical and cultural observations recorded in this book.

Introduction by Peter Fleming

This British edition includes an introduction by Peter Fleming (1907–1971), the distinguished British travel writer, journalist and explorer. Fleming was the author of Brazilian Adventure and News from Tartary, the latter recounting his own celebrated journey through Central Asia with Ella Maillart. His introduction provides a particularly appropriate literary context for Harrer’s account, linking it with the distinguished tradition of British exploration writing about Tibet and Central Asia.

Condition

Book: Near Fine. A particularly clean and well-preserved copy. The original binding is firm and tight, with clean boards. The pages and photographic illustrations are beautifully clean throughout.

Dustwrapper: Very Good. The original photographic dustwrapper has some light age-related spotting, small nicks and rubbing, particularly at the edges, corners and spine extremities. The colours remain attractive, and the principal photographic design is well preserved.

The dustwrapper is now protected by an easily removable clear acetate archival cover.

A particularly pleasing example of this classic work, especially desirable with its original dustwrapper. The photographs form part of the description.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys is an independent British bookseller specialising in carefully selected rare books, first editions, travel and exploration literature, illustrated books, maps and historical material.

Each book is individually examined and catalogued, with particular attention to edition and printing identification, original bindings, dustwrapper condition, completeness and bibliographical accuracy.

Our photographs show the actual copy offered for sale and form part of its description.

We offer carefully selected stock, transparent condition reporting, professional packaging and dependable service.

UK tracked delivery is included, with worldwide insured delivery available. We also offer unconditional 14-day returns.

An attractive early British printing of one of the most celebrated accounts of Himalayan exploration and Tibetan life, retaining its original photographic dustwrapper.