The expedition was relatively small-scale and low-cost compared with the eight-thousander expeditions of the 1950s but it found a good route - the best route - to the summit, scaling the most difficult point and getting back without serious injury. It was a well run, united and successful reconnaissance. Ed Viesturs has described it as a magnificent achievement. Speaking of the book of the expedition, Five Miles High , Curran says that it shows a harmonious expedition at its very best and that it should be compulsory reading for anyone contemplating going to K2. Sale describes it as one of the great expedition books.