Facing up

'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. PRAISE FOR BEAR GRYLLS"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 realising its power." Daily Mail "He writes convincingly of fear and doubt. This is an honest and compelling story." Ranulph Fiennes