Of ANNAPURNA III Major Harold William “Bill” Tilman had written “From the broad back of the main ridge west of the Annapurna II or Annapurna IV either of these peaks could be reached, while Annapurna III, bristling with gendarmes and cornices, could not be reached at all.” This passage in Tilman’s book, Nepal Himalaya, came to the notice of Captain Kohli then Lieutenant in the Indian Navy. It is a gripping, first-hand account of the most sensational mountain story by the leader in an intimate style, of the gallant band of men who risked their very lives to keep alight the torch of human endeavour. This book on the maiden ascent of Annapurna III, with far more sensational drama, deserves to be read by adventure lovers all over the world.