Author:Simon Yates
Simon Yates, author of Against the Wall, takes us back to his early years as a climber - the escapades and excitement of a young life lived on the edge and for the moment, when experience was all-important and dramatic achievements and failures came as naturally as the hair-raising risks themselves.
A mountaineering travelogue of dazzling variety, The Flame of Adventure moves from the camaraderie of deprived Russian climbers in the little-known peaks in the Tien Shan to the awesome experience of the North Face of the Eiger, from a rumbustious motorbike ride across Australia with a psychotic lorry driver. We meet a remarkable gallery of climbers, from Doug Scott to Joe Simpson, and, when not exploring high mountains, we enter the bizarre world of rope access workers: mavericks balancing high above building sites on the London skyline.
Simon Yates' remarkable climbing journal, which offers the armchair alpinist a detailed account of lucky escapes, near disasters and more than a few triumphs, is one of the most readable mountaineering books currently on the market
—— Literary ReviewHeil is good on the nature of obsession...even better on the hallucinatory effects of hypothermia...the truths he reveals are harsh
—— GeographicalIf you couldn't put down Into Thin Air, you must read Dark Summit to understand what it means to climb Everest today and why anyone might accept the risk.
—— Peter Athans, seven-time Everest summiter and The North Face athleteAuthoritative ... Through rock-solid reporting and vital prose, Heil leads us up into this rarefied world, step by hypoxic step.
—— Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers and Blood and Thunder Hampton Sides, author of Ghost Soldiers and Blood and ThunderI consider this book not a sequel to Krakauer's Into Thin Air, but an equal
—— Bob Shacochis, author of The Immaculate InvasionNicholas Clee has taken one of the greatest of all racing stories and brought it wonderfully back to life
—— BROUGH SCOTTA compelling and brilliantly researched reflection of the era which featured one of racing's most renowned equine heroes - Eclipse
—— SIR PETER O'SULLEVANClee does a brilliant job of conjuring up the rollicking Georgian London inhabited by Dennis O'Kelly and his brothel-keeping mistress
—— Seven, Daily TelegraphA colourful romp through Georgian London and its scoundrels and chancers
—— Daily MailHe should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies
—— James Corrigan , IndependentSince so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff
—— Dermot Keyes , Munster ExpressIt is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10
—— Vincent Hogan , Irish IndependentThis engrossing book sails straight between the posts
—— John O'Donnell , Irish TimesArguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill
—— Malachy Clerkin , The Sunday TribuneThe perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out
—— Irish IndependentWhether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period
—— South Tipp TodayCompelling reading
—— Richard Fitzpatrick , Irish ExaminerMotty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.
—— Oxford TimesFilled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.
—— Sunday Business PostThe voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box
—— Independent on Sunday 'Books of the Year'