The Man Who Climbs Trees

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.


'A book of heart-stopping bravery and endurance' -- Helen Macdonald
'A great read - incredible adventures and a dramatic new perspective' -- Chris Packham
'[A] delightful, endlessly fascinating book' -- Daily Mail BOOK OF THE WEEK

This is the story of a professional British tree climber, cameraman and adventurer, who has made a career out of travelling the world, filming wildlife for the BBC and climbing trees with people like David Attenborough, Chris Packham and Helen Macdonald.

James's climbs take him to breathtaking locations as he scales the most incredible and majestic trees on the planet. On the way he meets native tribes, gets attacked by African bees, climbs alongside gorillas, chased by elephants, and spends his nights in a hammock pitched high in the branches with only the stars above him.

This book blends incredible stories of scrapes and bruises in the branches with a new way of looking at life high above the daily grind, up into the canopy of the forest.


© James Aldred 2017 (P) Penguin Audio 2017

Critics Review

  • A book of heart-stopping bravery and endurance, packed with astonishing—and sometimes gruesome—encounters with wild creatures. James Aldred is an old-school hero, and his thrilling recollections of a life of adventure driven by a love for trees will give you new reverence for the beauties and mysteries of the natural world.

    Helen Macdonald
  • The giant trees, described by James Aldred, are full of wonder and his fascinating book is a story of real adventure

    Peter Wohlleben, author of the international bestseller THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES
  • A great read – incredible adventures and a dramatic new perspective from the arms of the world’s giants

    Chris Packham
  • Passionate and courageous, in his masterpiece of a memoir, James Aldred reminds us that the sweet green world around us is as alive as any creature–and trees are wondrous individuals with deep truths to tell. This is a book filled with beauty, suspense and revelation. I loved it!

    Sy Montgomery, author of THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS
  • [A] delightful, endlessly fascinating book

    Dail Mail BOOK OF THE WEEK

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