‘An excellent guide to a colourful life for readers who enjoy tales of adventure in the desert sands’ Daily Telegraph

‘Corking, rip-roaring, crisply written, full of extraordinary characters. An immaculate retelling of this cracking story’ Daily Mail

—

Thomas Edward Lawrence first set foot on the hot sands of Arabia in 1909. By 1918 there was a £20,000 price on his head.

How did this fresh-faced archaeologist, liaison and map officer end up fighting alongside guerrilla forces during the Arab Revolt?

How did a slight man journey more than 300 miles through blistering heat to capture Aqaba?

And how did an unhappy outsider take a pivotal role in peace conferences to decide the future of the Middle East?

Explorer Ranulph Fiennes tells the extraordinary story of how Lawrence gave over his life fully to this land and its peoples, while making enemies of those who sought to subjugate it . . .

—

‘Gripping. Rattles along like an enthralling Boys’ Own adventure’ Irish Independent

‘Fiennes’ own experiences certainly allow him to write vividly and with empathy’ Sunday Times

‘Elegant, subtle, sympathetic’ Wall Street Journal

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.

Thomas Edward Lawrence first set foot on the hot sands of Arabia in 1909.
By 1918 there was a £20,000 price on his head.

His journey to this point has long been legend. From his first postings as archaeologist, liaison and map officer, to fighting alongside guerrilla forces during the Arab Revolt. Journeying more than 300 miles through blistering heat to capture Aqaba, to his involvement in peace conferences that decided the future of the Middle East. Lawrence gave over his life the Middle East and its people.

A legend in his own lifetime, Lawrence’s epic story has always been ripe for the retelling – but Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer . . . Having led Arab troops into battle on the Arabian peninsula in a war fought only fifty years later. Fiennes too discovered the wonders of these far-flung lands and the people who live there, and is one of very few who can claim a true insight into the kind of life that Lawrence lived – bold and adventurous to the end.

With detailed access to records and an in-depth knowledge, Lawrence of Arabia is at long last a true and full account of this mysterious adventurer who captivated the world.

Now in his late seventies, Sir Ranulph Fiennes looks back on a lifetime of exploration, and draws powerful, inspiring lessons that we can all use when faced by the tribulations of everyday life.

Having crossed both Polar ice caps on foot, climbed Everest and the Eiger, served in the SAS and circumnavigated the world along its polar axis – a 53,000 mile odyssey that has never been repeated – ‘Ran’ looks back from the summit of an incredible life and teaches us how to:

– Learn self-discipline, and master fear
– Plan for success, and make your own luck
– Learn from failure and strive to succeed
– Keep going, whatever life throws at you

Told through the words of the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes – one of the only men to understand his experience first-hand . . .

‘For anyone with a passion for polar exploration, this is a must read’ NEW YORK TIMES

‘THE definitive book on Shackleton and no one could have done it better . . . an authentic account by one of the few men who truly knows what it’s like to challenge Antarctica’ LORRAINE KELLY
_________

In 1915, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s attempt to be the first to traverse the Antarctic was cut short when his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice.

He and his crew should have died.

Instead, through a long, dark winter, Shackleton fought back: enduring sub-zero temperatures, a perilous lifeboat journey across icy seas, and a murderous march over glaciers to seek help.

Shackleton’s epic trek is one of history’s most enthralling adventures. But who was he? How did previous Antarctic expeditions and his rivalry with Captain Scott forge him? And what happened afterwards to the man many believed was invincible?

In this astonishing account, Fiennes brings the story vividly to life in a book that is part celebration, part vindication and all adventure.
_________

‘Fiennes makes a fine guide on voyage into Shackleton’s world . . . What makes this book so engaging is the author’s own storytelling skills’ Irish Independent

‘Fiennes relates these tales of exploration and survival, adding insight to Shackleton’s journeys unlike any other biographer’ Radio Times

Praise for Sir Ranulph Fiennes:

‘The World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ Guinness Book of Records

‘Full of awe-inspiring details of hardship, resolve and weather that defies belief, told by someone of unique authority. No one is more tailor-made to tell [this] story than Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ Newsday

‘Fiennes’ own experiences certainly allow him to write vividly and with empathy of the hell that the men went through’ Sunday Times

‘Fiennes brings the promised perspective of one who has been there, illuminating Shackleton’s actions by comparing them with his own. Beginners to the Heroic Age will enjoy this volume, as will serious polar adventurers seeking advice. For all readers, it’s a tremendous story’ Sara Wheeler, The Wall Street Journal

‘For anyone with a passion for polar exploration, this is a must read’ NEW YORK TIMES

‘THE definitive book on Shackleton and no one could have done it better . . . An authentic account by one of the few men who truly knows what it’s like to challenge Antarctica’ LORRAINE KELLY

To write about Hell, it helps if you have been there.
_________

In 1915, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s attempt to traverse the Antarctic was cut short when his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice – and eventually sank (her resting place finally rediscovered in 2022).

What followed became legend.

Throughout the long, dark Antarctic winter, Shackleton fights for his life and the lives of his men – enduring freezing temperatures, a perilous lifeboat journey through the ice-strewn sea, and a punishing march across the South Georgia glaciers to seek the one slim chance they have of rescue.

Their survival would become history’s most enthralling adventure.

No previous biographer has experienced even a tiny taste of the polar hell on earth endured by Shackleton and his men. That cannot be said of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has been described as ‘our greatest living explorer’.

_________

‘Fiennes brings the promised perspective of one who has been there, illuminating Shackleton’s actions by comparing them with his own. It’s a tremendous story’ Wall Street Journal

‘Fiennes makes a fine guide on voyage into Shackleton’s world . . . What makes this book so engaging is the author’s own storytelling skills’ Irish Independent

Praise for Sir Ranulph Fiennes:

‘The World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ Guinness Book of Records

‘Full of awe-inspiring details of hardship, resolve and weather that defies belief, told by someone of unique authority. No one is more tailor-made to tell [this] story than Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ Newsday

‘Fiennes’ own experiences certainly allow him to write vividly and with empathy of the hell that the men went through’ Sunday Times

‘Fiennes brings the promised perspective of one who has been there, illuminating Shackleton’s actions by comparing them with his own. Beginners to the Heroic Age will enjoy this volume, as will serious polar adventurers seeking advice. For all readers, it’s a tremendous story.’ Sara Wheeler, The Wall Street Journal

Inspired by the heroic war time escapades of his father, as well as drawing on his own experiences in the special forces, acclaimed adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes thrillingly explores the history of elite military units, from ancient Sparta to the War on Terror.
 
The best of the best, these elite units have frequently been immortalised on the big screen, and in computer games, for their daring deeds. Whether it be fighting on the battlefield, storming forts and castles, rescuing hostages, high stakes reconnaissance missions or the dramatic assassination of enemy leaders, these are the men who are relied upon to undertake dangerous missions of the highest stakes. While celebrating the heroics of groups such as the SAS and Navy Seals, Sir Ranulph also reveals the true stories of infamous organisations such as The Assassins and Templar Knights. Uncovering their origins, and examining their weapons and tactics, Sir Ranulph showcases these units most famous missions, and reveals the men behind them. Showing incredible courage, often in the face of impossible odds, these units have also changed the course of history along the way. Sir Ranulph discusses the reasons behind their success and failures, with many notorious conflicts often being decided by these elite units facing off against each other, with the victor not only evolving warfare, but also consigning their opponent to history.
 
While these units traditionally prefer to operate in the shadows, Sir Ranulph brings their remarkable histories to the fore, told with his trademark ability to weave a story which has seen him become one of Britain’s most beloved bestselling authors.
 

‘Fiennes has so much to fit in, it’s a wonder to grasp the full breadth of a lifetime of adventuring’ – Compass Magazine

‘Even readers with a broadly low tolerance for macho heroism will find themselves gripped . . . compelling’ – Time Out

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has travelled to the most dangerous and inaccessible places on Earth, almost died countless times, lost nearly half his fingers to frostbite, raised millions of pounds for charity and been awarded a polar medal and an OBE. He has been an elite soldier, an athlete, a mountaineer, an explorer, a bestselling author and nearly replaced Sean Connery as James Bond.

In his bestselling autobiography, Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know, he describes how he led expeditions all over the world and became the first person to travel to both Poles on land. He tells of how he discovered the lost city of Ubar in Oman and attempted to walk solo and unsupported to the North Pole – the expedition that cost him several fingers, and very nearly his life.

And now the extraordinary life story of the world’s greatest living explorer is re-published to celebrate his 75th birthday, with two new chapters to bring his story up to date – telling of more mountains climbed, including his ascent to the top of Mount Everest, and even more extraordinary and risky adventures.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes has climbed the Eiger and Mount Everest. He’s crossed both Poles on foot. He’s been a member of the SAS and fought a bloody guerrilla war in Oman. And yet he confesses that his fear of heights is so great that he’d rather send his wife up a ladder to clean the gutters than do it himself.

In FEAR, the world’s greatest explorer delves into his own experiences to try and explain what fear is, how it happens and how he’s overcome it so successfully. He examines key moments from history where fear played an important part in the outcome of a great event. He shows us how the brain perceives fear, how that manifests itself in us, and how we can transform our perceptions.

With an enthralling combination of story-telling, research and personal accounts of his own struggles to overcome fear, Sir Ranulph Fiennes sheds new light on one of humanity’s strongest emotions.