'A gripping salute to those whose determination in the face of fear leaves the rest of us awestruck... thoroughly researched and grippingly detailed... his stories of raw courage are timeless'. -- Scotsman 'Fiennes is making the case for a closer examination of the example set by the men and women he considers heroes'. -- The Times 'The sort of book that will suggest fascinating lines of research to find out more about some of the subjects. The author has given us a splendid read.' -- The Canberra Times Acclaim for Ranulph's previous books: -- . 'Rip-roaringly readable' -- Guardian on MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN 'Sir Ranulph has earned his place in the heroic roll call of Scott, Shackleton and the rest.' -- Daily Mail 'Ran epitomises British phlegm, and he puts all other glory-seekers to shame. Long may he continue to make us glad that we are not him, while we stand in awe.' -- Country Life His courage, determination, stamina - and madness - are truly awesome.' -- Daily Express

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 the Queen awarded Fiennes the Order of the British Empire (OBE) because, on the way to breaking records, he has raised over GBP14 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.