With Bare Hands: The true story of Alain Robert, the real-life Spiderman

By Alain Robert

Book Overview

Alain Robert spent his youth on the unforgiving cliffs of southern France, climbing with his bare hands, with no ropes for protection. In 1982 he fell head-first onto solid rock, suffering a five-day... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1905379552
• ISBN13: 9781905379552
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Maverick House
• Length: 317 Pages

Customer Reviews

Afraid of heights? Read this book!!!

I just finished this book which was better than a roller coaster ride! Lasted longer too! I am terrified of height, yet fascinated. Very well written and it is a look at a man who has known his calling from a young age and is living a life that most of us wish we had the courage to live. It is a play against the pedestrian life that we live and the life that we all wish for. With a translation from the French (I suppose) the word choices are charming and a pleasure to read! It's underlying theme is a balance between commercialism and pure art that this writer and Alain Robert pull off like the stunning accounts of his climbing adventures. Yet his sometimes naive and curious nature endear him to us as everyman. He tends to be at home with kings or street urchins and the dichotomy is excellently blended between the chapters in this book. Superbly written, some of the accounts of the harrowing climbs took my breath away ( and the photos too) This is a look into the soul of a man, his philosophy of life, with some well crafted tales of his climbs that made my heart race! I loved it!!!

GRIPPING.

In an increasingly politically-correct world, one that threatens to turn us all into either mice or robots, Alain Robert stands out, as someone determined to go his own way & do his own thing - in spectacular fashion: by climbing urban skyscrapers - up to 500 metres tall - without gloves, suction pads, ropes, safety equipment - or (generally) permission. To him, life is a game, a challenge, and he usually comes out on top - literally. At a time when we've begun to doubt our traditional heroes, he, by his extraordinary feats, gives ordinary people something to aspire to & emulate, daring us to rouse ourselves, to shake things up a little (or a lot, which is perhaps why he has never endeared himself to the Establishment). As this books clearly illustrates, there are no strings attached to his exploits - they are there for all to see. It really is a gripping read - the 16-page section covering his assault on the Chicago Sears Tower being particularly exciting - & downright scary! All this while he bears the injuries, scars & handicaps acquired from a life spent climbing & (occasionally, though never from a skyscraper) falling. A truly amazing & unique individual. Buy & BE ELEVATED.