This is the first printing of the first edition of Cordillère Blanche. Expédition franco-belge à la Cordillère des Andes (1951) by Georges Kogan & Nicloe Leininger. This book was published in Paris by Arthaud in 1952. This book has been inscribed and signed by Claude Kogan on the short title page. Kogan was first woman mountaineer to attempt an 8000m peak and to make first ascents of 7000m peaks. She made the first ascent of Nun (7135m) in 1953 and the first ascent of Ganesh I (7429m) in 1955. She also made a strong attempt on Cho Oyu in 1954 with Raymond Lambert reaching about 7700m. She made the near first ascent of Alpamayo, the expedition described in this book, in 1951. In 1952 she made the first ascent of Salcantay in the Cordillera Vilcabamba. She was killed in an avalanche on an attempt to climb Cho Oyu in 1959 during an all-women expedition that she conceived and led. This book is the original French edition of the book that was translated into English as, The Ascent of Alpamayo. The classic 1951 near first ascent of the Alpamayo is described in the first half of the book by Kogan. In the second half of the book Leininger relates her first ascent with Claude Kogan of Quitarajo which made them the first all-women party to climb a 20000' peak. This expedition would have made the first ascent of Alpamayo’s peak except they missed the true summit in fading light (see G. Hauser’s book for the account of the subsequent first climb to the highest point). The book measures 201mm tall x 143mm, and has 155 pages, color frontispiece photo, 34 b/w photos, 5 maps. The text is in French. Books signed by Claude Kogan are very uncommon.
CONDITION: Original white wrappers, red & black lettering covers and spine. The original dust jacket is in nice condition, much better than what is usually found with this book. It has no chips, a 3mm tiny tear at base of spine, light soiling upper area of rear panel. The book is in fine condition with no previous owner marks or writing on any pages (other than Claude Kogan's signed inscription), no foxing, solid binding, minor age browning to the pages which is normal for this book. Price: SOLD.
