In this exciting book Simon Yates shares the drama and terrifying
risks of his early years as a climber. This is a mountaineering
travelogue full of thrilling variety. The author's evocative
descriptions create a powerful atmosphere and sense of time and
place, and the physical traumas are conveyed effectively, yet
without sentiment. Surprisingly it is the intensity of sunlight
that proves the most tiring factor, 'Like a strong wind, its effect
is psychological. It gets inside your mind, somehow numbing the
senses.' Simon learns a great deal in his early climbs. His need
for independence and self-reliance is challenged by his admiration
for the Russian climbers who share their limited resources and
capitalise on team spirit. He grows to respect them and
acknowledges their mutual need to experience physical challenge,
risk and danger. They too must love the 'sublime beauty' of the
places they visit and relish the elemental contact with their
surroundings. Here are all the reasons why climbers become addicted
to this dangerous sport. They are intoxicated by the feelings of
freedom and uncertainty. Within a framework of mountaineering
ethics, individual climbers set their own standards, techniques and
practices. Compared with the more rigid rules of other sports,
mountaineering seems joyfully liberated: 'Life felt like the big
adventure I imagined it should be - unpredictable, spontaneous,
risky and above all, fun.' The close friendships and trust that are
built between the climbers are essential for safe and successful
missions and the physical challenges result in a greater
self-awareness. Simon learns about the levels of joy and sadness he
can reach, his limits of endurance and how he reacts to exhaustion
and extreme stress. This is a compelling and enlightening read
whether you have an interest in climbing or not. (Kirkus UK)
As humans we have evolved over millions of years to live with uncertainty and danger. Indeed, it has been our ability to change and adapt to differing circumstances that has made us so successful. In the past most people's lives were hazardous; it was an adventure to survive. Then, as wealth increased, European adventurers set out to explore the world. It was this exploration, and the trade that resulted from it, which started the rapid economic development we continue to enjoy to this day. In this sense, the very foundations of our modern society were laid by adventurers. In the developed world we are wealthier than ever. This wealth allows us to do many amazing things and gives us increasing control of our own lives and the environment around us. Yet often people feel their lives lack real excitement. Having grown accustomed to the comfort and security our increased wealth provides, have we lost some of our identity in the process? Are we now neglecting our ability to change and adapt, our ability as adventurers?
Simon Yates explores these and other questions in an autobiographical narrative following numerous mountaineering expeditions and looks at the role adventure plays in our lives and the effect it has on them. Mountaineer Simon Yates is very familiar with the subject of this, his second book. He has devoted much of his adult life to pursuing adventures through mountaineering and travel, living at times on the margins of physical and material existence. These experiences have provided what he hopes is a unique view of adventure and the role it plays in all our lives.
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