Chronicles the first American expedition to Mount Everest in May 1963, profiling the team of climbers while examining the impact the mission had on the American consciousness and sense of identity during the Cold War.

Dragons at play. A vertical playground ; From Dartmouth dorms to Teton tents ; A distant vision ; Entering the arena ; Acceptance and invitations ; Beyond the Tetons ; Scientists and shrinks ; A trial run-- or hike ; To the other side of the Earth ; Convergences and close calls ; Treading a path between India and China ; Goals and roles ; Intersecting worlds ; Words from on high -- The vast unknown. Long live the Crow ; Taming the beast ; Uncertainty ; Retreat in victory ; Synchronized climbing ; A wild idea ; A one-way round trip ; The vast unknown ; A biblical calm -- Cherishing mystery. The vigorous life ; The bliss-giving goddess ; Transitions.