This book tells about the history of the conquest of the highest peak in the world - Everest, on which 15 expeditions were organized in 30 years and only the last of them, in 1953, ended in success. The struggle for every sky-high giant near the stratosphere is an example of the boundless courage, will and endurance of man. The author talks about wonderful athletes who achieved the goal and did not achieve it, but showed the way to others.