He''s climbed Everest not long after a heart bypass operation, he''s run seven marathons on seven continents, he''s hauled loaded sledges across both polar ice caps and he''s circumnavigated the earth... Ran Fiennes truly is the world''s greatest explorer, and this book celebrates his 80th birthday by showcasing his greatest achievements in his own words. Featuring interviews and tributes from his friends, colleagues and admirers, Around the World in 80 Years celebrates the incredible life of a legendary explorer .

Autorentext

Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first man to reach both poles by surface travel and the first to cross the Antarctic Continent unsupported. In the 1960s he was removed from the SAS Regiment for misuse of explosives but, joining the army of the Sultan of Oman, received that country's Bravery Medal on active service in 1971. He is the only person yet to have been awarded two clasps to the Polar medal for both Antarctic and the Arctic regions. Fiennes has led over 30 expeditions including the first polar circumnavigation of the Earth, and in 2003 he ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

In 1993 Her Majesty the Queen awarded Fiennes the Order of the British Empire (OBE) because, on the way to breaking records, he has raised over £14 million for charity. He was named Best Sportsman in the 2007 ITV Great Briton Awards and in 2009 he became the oldest Briton to reach the summit of Everest.

Zusammenfassung

A CELEBRATION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 'THE WORLD'S GREATEST LIVING EXPLORER'

**PRAISE FOR SIR RANULPH FIENNES:

'Always that little bit further and always the best. It is why, even to this day, I remain in awe at all he has accomplished.' - Bear Grylls

'His ground-breaking expeditions have redefined what is possible, but have also ignited a fire within the hearts of those seeking their own extraordinary journeys.' - Levison Wood

'That sunny March day on top of the Eiger represented the beginning of the end of our days climbing together. Looking at Ran's grizzly, bearded face, I was yet to realise what he had planted within me, but I knew it was there. As the mist rolled in, for a while it looked like we might be stuck, but I didn't mind at all. I simply had to channel my inner Ran.' - Kenton Cool

'His public persona is that of the intrepid man of action overcoming insuperable odds to achieve feats of superhuman endurance and danger. But with the children he was gentle, patient and kind.' - Monty Don

'Ran seeks out dangers because the experience of intense situations such as facing a polar bear or a heavy snowstorm, and his ability to overcome them, feels like a confirmation of his own vitality.' - Erling Kagge

'If an opportunity were to come again to step out of life . . . there is no question as to whom I would wish for a companion. I would go with Ran.' - Mike Stroud

'No great experience in life is worth anything without overcoming your fears, I usually say when I give talks. Then I think of Ran. I wanted to say how impressed I am that he just keeps going and never stops.' - Borge Ousland

'Fiennes' rattling Boys' Own prose, which makes light of drama, is extremely readable' - Daily Mail

On the eve of his 80th birthday, Sir Ranulph Fiennes looks back at his remarkable life and adventures.

He's climbed Everest not long after a heart bypass operation, he's run seven marathons on seven continents, he's hauled loaded sledges across both polar ice caps and he's circumnavigated the earth...

Ran Fiennes truly is the world's greatest explorer, and this book celebrates his 80th birthday by showcasing his greatest achievements in his own words. Featuring interviews and tributes from his friends, colleagues and admirers, Around the World in 80 Years celebrates the incredible life of a legendary explorer.