International bestselling author Jeffrey Archer returns with a triumphant historical novel, Paths of Glory. Paths of Glory, is the story of such a man—George Mallory. Born in 1886, he was a brilliant student who became part of the Bloomsbury Group at Cambridge in the early twentieth century and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery during World War I. After the war, he married, had three children, and would have spent the rest of his life as a schoolteacher, but for his love of mountain climbing. Mallory once told a reporter that he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, "because it is there." On his third try in 1924, at age thirty-seven, he was last seen four hundred feet from the top. His body was found in 1999, and it remains a mystery whether he and his climbing partner, Andrew Irvine, ever reached the summit. In fact, not until you've turned the last page of Archer's extraordinary novel will you be able to decide if George Mallory should be added to that list of legends, while another name would have to be removed.
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"This historical fiction proved to be interesting to read. There was a sad undertone to the story because the reader knows that George Mallory never returned from climbing Mount Everest. My heart went out to Mallory's wife, Ruth, because she was so supportive and not thinking of self.This was the first book written by this author that I had read. I do plan to seek out this author again in the future."
— Brenda (4 out of 5 stars)
“Roger Allam’s rich, clear voice is an excellent vehicle for the delivery of Jeffrey Archer’s novel based on the life and exploits of one of England’s greatest adventurers, George Mallory…Allam’s British accent and warm tones bring authenticity to the text…Text and presentation meld into a totally satisfying experience.”
— AudioFile“Listeners will savor the tonality of British stage actor Roger Allam’s voice.”
— Library Journal“Veteran actor Roger Allam brings an impressive range and energy to Archer's historical novel.... Allam's remarkable accents are the highlight of the audio book.
— Publishers WeeklyRead by Olivier Award-winning actor Roger Allam, Paths of Glory penetrates the driven mind of this obsessed and extraordinary British gentleman who represented the spirit of a generation.
— Kirkus ReviewsListeners will savor the tonality of British stage actor Roger Allam's voice.
— Library JournalRoger Allam's rich, clear voice is an excellent vehicle for the delivery of Jeffrey Archer's novel based on the life and exploits of one of England's greatest adventurers, George Mallory...Allam's British accent and warm tones bring authenticity to the text...Text and presentation meld into a totally satisfying experience.
— AudioFile" What a marvelous book. So glad to have had this one in my "To Read" stack. Too bad the ending had to be a sad one. "
— Shirley, 2/14/2014" Okay, I was on an airplane and this is a fine book for an airplane. "
— Suzette, 2/7/2014" I listened to the audio book version and though I finished it, I was disappointed. I don't think Jeffry Archer captures the difficulty that Mallory and his team must have experienced climbing Everest. After reading Krakauer' Into Thin Air and other mountaineering books regarding the cold and thin atmosphere, Archer makes the actual climb seem more like a extended stroll up an English hill. I did appreciate his description of the political machinery regarding the Everest Committee and the Royal Geographical Society, but since this is a work of historical fiction, it is hard to discern how accurate it is. "
— John, 1/28/2014" One of the best books I have ever read. Thanks to Jeffery Archer. Its a classic. "
— Naresh, 1/18/2014" I like the way he writes it simple and crisp.. don't know anything about mountaineering but this book gave me a slight glimpse. not a bad read! "
— Paden, 1/14/2014" Enjoyed this look at the time period and the quest for Mount Everest. "
— Adrienne, 12/26/2013" Different than other JA books I have read but I really liked it. Fiction modeled on a true story. "
— Jane, 12/20/2013" Do not recommend. "
— Sandra, 12/11/2013" A good read, inspired by a true story. It had a few slower points but kept moving along. It is amazing what people will do for passion. "
— Lisa, 12/8/2013" If you like books about climbing and adventure then you'll enjoy this one "
— Sean, 11/18/2013" Great book! It would make a great Masterpiece Theater movie "
— Courtland, 10/27/2013" Story about a man who followed his wildest dreams to reach the peak of mount Everest. The book depicts his journey right from start till end .... Leaving behind detailed trail of views into the various stages of his life. "
— Sunilrsg89, 8/25/2013" a beautiful love story.interesting and predictable story line but the narration is appealing "
— Pavan, 8/15/2013" If I would have known what is what about, I would have never picked it. But I love everything Jeffrey Archer's writes so I just assumed it would be great without knowing what it would be about...And it was great! It always is with Archer! Master story teller! "
— Sigrid, 6/12/2013" Great reading. Kept my interest throughout the book - especially near the end. "
— John, 4/25/2013" Didn't expect to like it as I've never understood the whole mountain-climbing thing (because it's there!?). Gave it a chance because I've always liked Archer's character development and sly wit - fantastic choice. And I believe George Mallory was the first one to the top - seriously! "
— Claudia, 11/10/2012" My first experience with Archer. Glad I got to know some history in a not so boring way. "
— Siva, 7/19/2012" Picked this up randomly at a hotel that I was staying on vacation, and as always, Jeffrey Archer has written a good page-turner. Less of a twist-and-turn plot compared to some of his earlier books, but still gripping to the end. "
— Wanrong, 7/17/2012" always writes so well but just not particularly my cup of tea, however interesting the planning & the execution of the climb. "
— Toni, 6/17/2012" My favorite parts were the actual letters between husband and wife. Also a reminder of how World War I stole so much from this generation. True trailblazers. "
— Chet, 6/1/2012" Based on historical events it's the story of George Mallory and the first attempts to climb Mount Everest. It's an intersting story. "
— Liz, 5/22/2012" It was an excellent story leading up to Mallory's death, whether or true or not. However, I wished there was more details about what information was gained when they found his body 75 years later. "
— Chris, 3/15/2012" I listened to the wonderful stage actor Roger Allam read this engaging portrait of British alpinist George Mallory. I have never read Jeffrey Archer before, but would gladly do so again. He draws vivid characters and cleverly foreshadows Mallory's inevitable tragic demise. "
— Matthew, 2/11/2012" wonderfull story ,mountain climbing in the 1920s.true story makes you want to do something adventuerest "
— Dimmy-jimmy, 2/7/2012" A brilliant book by Jeffrey Archer (my first read of this author). A well constructed one, brilliant story, methodical way of interpretation. I liked the characters very much.. Only concern is that things become repeatative attimes.. A truly inspirational book. "
— Chetan, 1/1/2012" Great story. Very captivating. "
— Lorri, 7/18/2011" Audio Book. It sucked that the prologue gave away the fact that George died on the mountain. Other than that it was a great book. "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" This was another book club choice that I really loved! Full of adventure! I think that the guys in our life would like this one too! "
— Peggy, 5/5/2011" Enjoyable, easy read. Interesting view into what it was like to pioneer Everest before prior the hoopla that now surrounds it. "
— Brenda, 5/1/2011" It was an excellent story leading up to Mallory's death, whether or true or not. However, I wished there was more details about what information was gained when they found his body 75 years later. "
— Chris, 4/27/2011" Great historical fiction read. <br/> <br/>Enjoyed learning more about mountain climbing and the history of Mt. Everest "
— John, 4/12/2011" great read, Mt. Everest climber!! Why do they do it? "
— Mary, 4/12/2011" Enjoyed reading this book - I usually enjoy Archer. The characters were well developed - those we know about and those we don't! "
— Kristy, 4/12/2011" This is the fascinating account of the first climbers to try to conquer Mt. Everest. It reads like a novel, with exciting stories of the climb, and it's also a terrific love story. Highly recommend! <br/> "
— Kelly, 4/1/2011" a great adventure book, the book does a great job at describing the journey of the men who are going to climb Everest. <br/>It is a funny story full of adventure and even love. "
— Armando, 3/31/2011" Well done, and a completely enjoyable adventure, despite the tragedies. I listened to this one on cds, took about 14 hours during long commute times. Made me relive my early climbs of Mt Whitney and Mt Rainier many years ago. The descent is always the hardest part of any climb. "
— Cindy, 3/29/2011" I enjoyed this book very much. It was based on the true story of a Brit named George Mallory who was a mountain climber. I had never heard of him and thought it was fiction until I saw a review of the book. One of the disadvantages of listening to books -- no covers or inside flaps. "
— Pat, 3/25/2011Jeffrey Archer is an author of fiction, nonfiction, and plays, including numerous New York Times bestsellings, of which three made the #1 bestsellers spot. He was educated at Oxford University. He served five years as a member of the British parliament in the House of Commons and has served twenty-seven years as a member of the House of Lords. Now published in 97 countries and more than 37 languages, all of his novels and short story collections—including Kane & Abel, Only Time Will Tell and This Was a Man—have been international bestsellers.
Roger Allam played Javert in the original London production of Les Misérables and Falstaff in the Shakespeare’s Globe 2010 production of Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. He has been nominated four times for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor, winning twice, and he has also won the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor. His film work includes roles in The Queen, Speed Racer, V for Vendetta, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Tamara Drewe, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and the television series The Thick of It. He has narrated audiobooks for numerous bestselling authors, including Jeffrey Archer, Ian McEwan, Ian Rankin, and Joseph Conrad. Roger lives in southwest London with his wife, actress Rebecca Saire, and their two young sons.