Facing Up: A Remarkable Journey to the Summit of Mount Everest

Description

'No one could fail to be gripped by his heartfelt excitement and emotion over what was the adventure of a lifetime.' Independent At the age of twenty-three, Bear Grylls became the youngest Briton to reach the summit of Mount Everest. At extreme altitude youth holds no advantage over experience, and it is generally acknowledged that younger climbers have more difficulty coping with the adverse effects of mountaineering. Nevertheless, only two years after breaking his back in a freefall parachuting accident, Bear Grylls overcame severe weather conditions, fatigue, dehydration and a last minute illness to stand on top of the world's highest mountain. Facing Up is the story of his adventure, his courage and humour, his friendship and faith.

Bear Grylls was brought up on the Isle of Wight where he learnt to climb with his father. He spent three years in the British Army and then went on to study Spanish at Birkbeck College, London University. He is a martial arts expert and now writes and lectures all over the world on his experiences. His latest adventure was to complete a round Britain jet ski challenge for charity (August 2000), the launch of which was shown on the Big Breakfast. He lives with his wife Shara on a boat on the Thames.

No one could fail to be gripped by his heartfelt excitement and emotion over what was the adventure of a lifetime. * Independent * Bear's tale is by turns hilarious and horrific. * Daily Telegraph * Written with refreshing humility, this is a briskly told account, not of conquering Everest, but of realizing its power. * Daily Mail * A remarkable tale. * Daily Express *