George Almond, the grandson of a Wyoming horse rancher, enjoys revisiting great adventures. Born in London and educated in France and Oxford University he has ridden horseback 1500 miles across Europe, worked for Calgary Stampede's Champion Chuck Wagon driver, sailed two oceans with the world's most experienced square-rig sea captain, taken the Flying Scotsman steam train from Boston to Houston where he was hired by Neiman Marcus. These days Almond makes his home in Europe, working on other books, including one about Jack Rackham and his two lady pirates who formerly sailed the Caribbean, preying upon merchant vessels.
Can you tell us what your book is about?
Everest had yet to be climbed in 1933 so climbers with ambition required maps and high altitude
photographs. A flight expedition to make an aerial survey was set up in London, gathering impetus only when sponsored by a wealthy heiress. Her team of 35 men took 5 aircraft to India where they based with a Maharaja waiting for ideal conditions over the Himalayas so they could deliver the objectives.The book follows true events of the entire operation but with some dramatisation to characters and dialogue.
Why did you write your book?
I wanted readers to learn about this relatively unknown story; about the complexities of such an expedition; about the many colourful and brave characters who made it successful including the film crew whose work was awarded an Oscar.
What kind of message (if any) is your book trying to tell your readers?
That a great challenge requires much persistence and ingenuity to be successful.
Did anyone influence you to write your book?
Tenzing himself told me how his team referred to the aerial photographs before his epic climb. Then I met Westland's chief test pilot who prepared the Everest biplanes prior to the expedition. He was deeply respectful of the young Duke and Flight Lieutenant who flew both aircraft. I was also inspired by Julian Fellowes (creator of Downton Abbey) whose great uncle was the RAF flight commander and finally I was galvanised by Rebecca Stephens who was the first British woman to climb Everest and a Booker prize judge.
What would you do with an extra hour today if you could do anything you wanted?
Take a boat on Lough Corrib in Ireland; try to catch a decent trout for supper as the sun sets on the hills of Connemara,
If we were to meet for lunch to talk books, where would we go?
In Los Angeles, it would be The Grill in Beverly Hills, In London, there’s nowhere better than the garden at the Chelsea Arts Club.
What do you like to do for fun?
Attend the annual horse fair in Jerez, Andalusia, where there's color, beauty, music and fun in profusion.
What do you like the most about being an author?
Being able to express myself and hopefully entertain others.
Even Higher Than Everest is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Even-Higher-Than-Everest-Dramatised/dp/1782226249.