- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd; First Edition / Fifth Impression edition (1 Sep 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0340830158
- ISBN-13: 978-0340830154
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.4 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
253,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #22 in Books > Biography > Social & Health Issues > Cultural History > Scandinavian
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Product Description
Review
'If Ray Mears isn't a Great Living Englishman, then goodness me, who is? The man is great, and he doesn't even begin to know how great he is. Ray is a persuader, pragmatist and populariser in the Durrell-Attenborough-Bellamy tradition.' (Robert Crampton, The Times Magazine )
'Ray Mears is a bushman first and foremost and really can survive in any extreme environment. I can't think of a better companion in a crisis.' (Tim Lewis, GQ )
'The foremost purveyor of bushcraft in the UK today.' (Geographical Magazine ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
'Ray Mears is a bushman first and foremost and really can survive in any extreme environment. I can't think of a better companion in a crisis.' (Tim Lewis, GQ )
'The foremost purveyor of bushcraft in the UK today.' (Geographical Magazine ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Review
'If Ray Mears isn't a Great Living Englishman, then goodness me, who is? Ray is a persuader, populariser and pragmatist in the Durrell-Attenborough-Bellamy tradition.' -- Robert Crampton, The Times Magazine 'Ray Mears is a bushman first and foremost and really can survive in any extreme environment. I can't think of a better companion in a crisis.' -- Tim Lewis, GQ Acclaim for BUSHCRAFT: 'Complete - and certainly aesthetically pleasing...it is sure to consolidate Mears' position as the foremost purveyor of bushcraft in the UK today.' -- Geographical Magazine
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have always enjoyed Ray Mears TV programmes so I thought that this book would reflect Mr Mears easy going personal style and passion for survival in extreme physical conditions....I was not to be disappointed. This was a well written book from begining to end...exceedingly enjoyable.
This is an amazing true story about one of if not thee most important covert military operation in WW2. The destruction of a heavy water plant in Norway becomes critical in the 'Nazi v Allies' race to develop a nuclear weapon during the war. Having limited options available to them and after a failed glider commando attempt the allies decided to send in a team of saboteurs to carry out an extremely perilous sabotage operation.
The fact that the team of Norwegian SOE trained agents parachuted in and carried out this task under the Germans noses without even loosing a single man is only part of this amazing story. The epic escapes by the team, the pre & post operational hardships encountered by the team in an artic environment and the subsequent sinking of a ferry a few months after the operation containing another shipment of heavy water is the other half of this narrative. Each operational phase is embedded with quite incredulous mini-stories reflecting the courage, daring and fortitude of the men involved.
A common thread that weaves through the exciting web of this book is the courage and daring of not only the raiding group but that of the Norwegian populous. That these actions were carried out by humble, modest but highly motivated patriotic Norwegians makes this book a compelling read. If you are Norwegian and you read this book you should stand in awe of your countrymen's achievements and contribution to the eventual allied victory in Europe. This book is a great advert for Norway and its people!
This is an amazing true story about one of if not thee most important covert military operation in WW2. The destruction of a heavy water plant in Norway becomes critical in the 'Nazi v Allies' race to develop a nuclear weapon during the war. Having limited options available to them and after a failed glider commando attempt the allies decided to send in a team of saboteurs to carry out an extremely perilous sabotage operation.
The fact that the team of Norwegian SOE trained agents parachuted in and carried out this task under the Germans noses without even loosing a single man is only part of this amazing story. The epic escapes by the team, the pre & post operational hardships encountered by the team in an artic environment and the subsequent sinking of a ferry a few months after the operation containing another shipment of heavy water is the other half of this narrative. Each operational phase is embedded with quite incredulous mini-stories reflecting the courage, daring and fortitude of the men involved.
A common thread that weaves through the exciting web of this book is the courage and daring of not only the raiding group but that of the Norwegian populous. That these actions were carried out by humble, modest but highly motivated patriotic Norwegians makes this book a compelling read. If you are Norwegian and you read this book you should stand in awe of your countrymen's achievements and contribution to the eventual allied victory in Europe. This book is a great advert for Norway and its people!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A really interesting and inspiring read. It covers the real events that were the inspiration behind the film `The Heroes of Telemark'. This was the sabotage mission carried out on a power station in the Telemark region of Norway. It was carried out by patriotic and heroic Norwegians, who risked their lives and showed immense skill and outdoormanship. However, as with most things Hollywood gets their hands on, the story had to be `sexed up' for the big screen.
The only criticism I have from the book is that it seems to have an element missing that must have been in the BBC television series. From what I understand from the pictures in the book, Ray Mears must have attempted some of the feats carried out by Operations Grouse and Gunnerside. However, this is not commented upon in the book, which only focuses on the history and narrative story.
The only criticism I have from the book is that it seems to have an element missing that must have been in the BBC television series. From what I understand from the pictures in the book, Ray Mears must have attempted some of the feats carried out by Operations Grouse and Gunnerside. However, this is not commented upon in the book, which only focuses on the history and narrative story.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This true story is indeed a TRUE STORY. I am pleased to say having met Joachim Ronneberg personally and heard him speaking of this operation, Ray Mears account is the most factual. Joachim explained all the difficulties that the team encountered, and never forgetting the many deaths from the British Glider Pilots who were meant to assist them, yet perished when they crashed, and the survivors killed by the Germans. The explanation of this most heroic operation is explained in detail, the dangers, the survival in most horrendous situations, more importantly the success of the whole operation with not one loss of life of the team who sabotaged the Heavy water Plant. Joachim and a few members of the team still survive. Joachim himself the team leader is now 93 years of age. We have so much to thank these men for, had they not succeeded on this operation then without doubt the Germans would have unleashed the Atomic Bomb on the UK and maybe another result to WWII would have ensued. Thank God for very brave men like these, and all others who fought to keep our freedoms, let us NEVER forget the sacrifices these men and women paid for Peace in the world. One day true accounts like these will nudge all to realise Peace only comes from respect for one another. A highly recommended DVD and very accurate account of a true incident. Rev. David Bennett (Chaplain)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
They were REAL heroes - a must read!
I read my first book from World War Two just 4 years after armistice when I was 13 - "The Wooden Horse". Read more
Published 5 months ago by Margaret
Ray Mears in the 1940s' Hardanger Vidda
For many years, I have watched Ray Mears' programmes on bushcraft and survival and enjoyed all of them; although I often watch wondering "why? Read more
Published 6 months ago by RR Waller
Real Heroes of Telemark
I had just ordered the book The Shetland Bus and this book was recommended to me as a "customers also bought". It is a really good read, and I read it over a two day period. Read more
Published 7 months ago by j swann
True Story of True Heroism - A MUST READ
"Only by pushing himself to the very limits of his endurance for the sake of others can a man be said to have truly lived" One of the conclusions of this amazing book. Read more
Published 12 months ago by T Mind
Excellent, true account
Excellent account, and also true to what actually happened. Having had the pleasure of knowing one of the participants of the raid through work for many years - I was lucky enough... Read more
Published 14 months ago by BobtheViking
A good read
An enthralling book. Delivery was swift despite the snow and condition was perfect. What more can you ask!!
Published 16 months ago by safficin
Infectiously exiting.
Ray Mears warm and infectious writing style makes this a real page turner.
Its not exatly Antony Beevor but as a tale of heroism, scarifice and survival its fantastic.
Its not exatly Antony Beevor but as a tale of heroism, scarifice and survival its fantastic.
Published 19 months ago by Ed F
Ski On
Ray Mears is justly famous for his expertise in survival and associated themes such as trekking and wildlife. Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2010 by Ian Millard
Well done Ray
When I first listened to this CD, it was so detailed that I wondered if I would get through it all at the start. Read more
Published on 23 Sep 2009 by Mr. P. Arrigo
An exciting story of true courage
Having always regarded Ray Mears as an overgrown boy scout I started to read the book with some apprehension (why did his chubby face have to feature on the cover? Read more
Published on 28 July 2008 by Formaccino
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