Conquering the Impossible: My 12,000-Mile Journey Around the Arctic Circle - Softcover

Horn, Mike

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312382049 ISBN 13: 9780312382049

Publisher: Griffin, 2008

Synopsis

In August 2002, Mike Horn set out on a mission that bordered on the impossible: to travel 12,000 miles around the globe at the Arctic Circle - alone, against all prevailing winds and currents, and without motorized transportation.

Conquering the Impossible is the gripping account of Horn's grueling 27-month expedition by sail and foot through extreme Arctic conditions that nearly cost him his life. Enduring temperatures as low as -95 degrees Fahrenheit, Horn battled hazards including trekking on unstable ice that plunged him into frigid waters, encounters with polar bears so close that he felt their breath on his face, and a fire that destroyed all of his equipment and nearly burned him alive.

From the hair-raising dangers that Horn faces alone to his amusing and inspiring encounters with the hardy inhabitants of the remotest corners of the earth, this adrenaline-filled tale chronicle's one man's unrelenting desire to push the boundaries of what is humanly possible.

About this title

Review:

"This voyage has its share of death-defying episodes, from encounters with bears to a kayak ride through a maze of icebergs, not to mention the oppressive Russian bureaucracy . . .but it's also filled with charming interludes. Through all of these adventures, Horn reflects on why he feels compelled to push himself to such limits. 'It was inside myself that I took a long, long walk, ' he says. Readers will be grateful to share his experiences vicariously."
--"Publisher's Weekly"
"Horn's raw, unfettered prose will hold readers in an apprehensive embrace as he describes risking life and limb to scale deadly frozen terrain. Adventure extremists everywhere will be grateful for this vivid description of a one-of-a-kind quest."
--"Kirkus"
"Compared to Mike Horn's adventures, the exploits of Indian Jones or Crocodile Dundee look like the harmless play of cub scouts."
--"Le Nouvel Observateur"
"As a personality he is exceptional, and so are the encyclopedic extremities into which he adventures. . .He recounts all with great vividness, tenderness and passion."
--"Ouest France"
"More than a purely physical exploit, this is also a wonderful human adventure. An absolute must-read."
-"Gala (France)"

"This voyage has its share of death-defying episodes . . .but it's also filled with charming interludes. Through all of these adventures, Horn reflects on why he feels compelled to push himself to such limits. 'It was inside myself that I took a long, long walk, ' he says. Readers will be grateful to share his experiences vicariously."

--"Publisher's Weekly"

This voyage has its share of death-defying episodes . . .but it's also filled with charming interludes. Through all of these adventures, Horn reflects on why he feels compelled to push himself to such limits. It was inside myself that I took a long, long walk, ' he says. Readers will be grateful to share his experiences vicariously. "Publisher s Weekly ""

"This voyage has its share of death-defying episodes . . .but it's also filled with charming interludes. Through all of these adventures, Horn reflects on why he feels compelled to push himself to such limits. 'It was inside myself that I took a long, long walk, ' he says. Readers will be grateful to share his experiences vicariously." --Publisher's Weekly

About the Author:

MIKE HORN is a modern-day adventurer whose previous expeditions included circumnavigating the globe at the equator. In 2006, he and Borge Ousland, his expedition partner, became the first two people ever to complete a solo journey to the North Pole entirely in winter. Mike is currently planning an expedition called "Seven Wonders," in which he will traverse each continent on foot and climb its highest peak. Born in South Africa, he is 39 years old and lives with his family in Switzerland.

About this edition

• Publisher: Griffin
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0312382049
• ISBN 13: 9780312382049
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 372