- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Faber and Faber; New edition edition (19 Feb 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0571217710
- ISBN-13: 978-0571217717
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.6 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
198,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Books > Biography > Theatre & Performance Art > Circus
- #14 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Performing Arts > Circus
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Description
The Times, 19 February 2003
Remarkably the book is as astonishing and beautiful as the act itself ... An act of beauty in the face of death.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Paul Auster
How good that he has sat down now to give us this lively and often heart-stopping account of how he achieved his masterpiece.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is unlike anything I have ever read and will remain with me longer than almost anything else, it is written in a style similar to Baricco, which means the style of writing may not suit everyone, but I thought it was beautifully written, funny and highly emotional. Nothing should detract from the fact that this man walked (stood, sat, danced, lay) on a wire half a mile in the air. The feat itself is imcomprehensible and without photos you would never believe it had happened. The audacity behind the feat is almost as amazing as the feat itself.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This unusual little book gripped from start to finish. The writing is, quite simply, beautiful - the pictures atmospheric. Throughout the book, Petit's project appears doomed from every direction - all those around him (and, at times, even Petit) appear convinced that he will die in his attempt to cross between the Twin Towers, but he is driven on by his dream. The book gives a peek into the mind of the tightrope walker and the tensions between the artist and engineer cohabiting therein. Petit clearly loved the Towers and his comments on their destruction are poignant.
This book is a thriller, an architectural romance and a transcendental journey - altogether an irresistible read.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the most gripping book I have ever read. Right from the start his style of writing sucks you right in. It is very interesting to see how the whole thing was planned over a matter of years. When it comes to the actual walk itself I couldn't believe how nervous I was. You really are on the edge of your seat, gripping the book and turning pages as fast as is possible!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
And Beyond
This book is sheer magic- we share each moment of Phillipe Petit's obsession with the walk between the Twin Towers. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Mrs. M. Spotswood
One of the most inspiring acts of the 20th Century
Philippe Petit's story is an inspiration to mavericks and dreamers everywhere. It's the blueprint for any 'vision' for a project. Read more
Published 8 months ago by William Cohen
Literally the most enjoyable book I have ever read... Beautiful!!
Literally the most enjoyable book I have ever read... Beautiful!! All I will say is if you are a passionate person with any interest in how amazing once in a lifetime things can be... Read more
Published 9 months ago by RJC
Man on Wire
This book can only be described as un-put-downable affording inspiration as an example of what it takes to achieve the 'impossible' .
Published 19 months ago by Maul Gordon
Exhilirating, uplifting, beautiful and poetic.
One of the best books i have ever, ever, ever read. Found it a few years ago and have evangelicised on it ever since! Truly uplifting, beautiful, and poetic. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Paul Harris
A cracking book!
I had already seen the video "Man on Wire" which had me spellbound from start to finish and which prompted me to buy the book. I was not disappointed! Read more
Published on 22 April 2010 by Varnesy
A masterpiece
This book is as breathtaking,exciting and captivating as the film version!Petit is a living legend.
Published on 5 Nov 2009 by DigSarahDig
Incredible!
What an amazing story! Philippe Petite's true tale of his incredible wire walk between the twin towers in NYC is written in a mesmerising style that captures the readr from the... Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2009 by Mr. Ryan Moss
A Must read
Bought this book after watching TV airing of docu-film. The book was just as gripping as film. Philippe Pettit's writting style is fabulous. Read more
Published on 7 Sep 2009 by Ms. S. J. M. Parker
High-wire brilliance - superb read
I can't even begin to tell you how compelling I found this. I'm really not a big fan of non-fiction, but this totally blew me away - and yes, lucky I'm not a high-wire walker. Read more
Published on 14 Aug 2009 by Verve
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