Anatoly Bukreev. The Biography of the Greatest Soviet Climber in the Memories of His Loved Ones

Anatoly Bukreev — a legend of height. A Soviet and Kazakh climber, a master of sports, holder of the title of 'Snow Leopard', he ascended eleven of the world's eight-thousanders. One of the first sky runners in the CIS, a high-altitude guide in the Himalayas, a photographer, and a writer — his name became known worldwide after the tragic expedition of 1996 on Everest. In the midst of the storm, Bukreev rescued three American climbers. For this feat, he was awarded the American Alpine Club's David Sowles Award — an honor given for saving lives at the risk of one's own. That night he himself could have not returned. But his journey ended later — on December 25, 1997, on Annapurna, where an avalanche brought the final chapter to Anatoly's fate.

This book is not just a chronicle of ascents. It is a portrait of a person who pushed the boundaries of the possible and proved that limits exist only in the mind.

The author, journalist and mountain climbing history researcher Galina Mulenko, personally knew Bukreev, his companions, and mentors, including representatives of the school — the legendary coach Yervand Ilyinsky. Unique interviews, vivid memories from friends and comrades, little-known details of expeditions — all of this creates a comprehensive and honest image of 'Buki', as he was called in the climbing community.

Before you is a story of courage, inner freedom, and devotion to the mountains. A book for those who want to understand why a person climbs to places where there is no life and why altitude forever changes those who have once touched it.