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Traité du funambulisme
Un livre de conseils pour ceux qui oseront un jour l'impossible : marcher droit à travers le ciel et atteindre les étoiles. Un livre sur la peur et la solitude, sur le rêve et la poésie, sur l'audace, l'équilibre, la chute et la mort.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
14 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Philippe Petit
77 books51 followersPhilippe Petit became famous in August 1974 for his high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. His walk is known as the "artistic crime of the century". Petit has performed high-wire walks around the world, and a 2008 documentary based on his adventure, Man on Wire, won numerous awards and critical praise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 28, 2019
Like an instruction manual for high-wire walking by Kafka, figurative and applicable to any art, but practical advice when taken literally (though few will take to the sky). Great introduction and translation by Paul Auster. A must for fans of Man on Wire, which I saw in the theatre an hour before I heard that DFW was dead, which wrenched back the nobility of humanity I was experiencing post-exposure to the feats and flat-out Herzogian superherodom of Monsieur Petit.
May 8, 2019
One of the joys of reading is being taken to a place you never would otherwise experience, and if done well, the trip is transformative. With this book, the trip is not across the country or ocean, but across a wire. On the High Wire is more an internal journey in that Phillipe Petit shares his secrets of what it means to walk on a wire between spectacular points: "All my life I have looked for the most amazing places to cross,… and if [it] also happens to be the longest or most dangerous, that’s fine. But I didn’t look for that in the first place. What interests me is performance, the show, the beautiful gesture."
Much of his skill depends on the spiritual union between his body and the wire, but also on immutable laws of physics and mathematics. And a writer couldn't wish for a better translator of his work than Paul Auster who has had relationship with Petit beginning in 1971 when after seeing him perform magic and juggling on the streets of Paris, he actually witnessed his clandestine traverse between the towers of Notre Dame. In a forward, Auster noted "The streets were his first theater, and he still takes his performances there as seriously as his work on the wire."
A number of years ago I attended a visit by Petit on publication of his book about knots. What he shared then was his belief that there was no difference between walking a wire 2 inches above the ground and a wire almost a mile up. What impressed me was his sheer delight in the presence of so many kids in the audience that night, as he demonstrated the correct usage of knots and their importance in his work. But this book delves deeper into the psyche of a person willing to risk all to accomplish his feats. Its dangers and rewards. Well worth the trip.
Much of his skill depends on the spiritual union between his body and the wire, but also on immutable laws of physics and mathematics. And a writer couldn't wish for a better translator of his work than Paul Auster who has had relationship with Petit beginning in 1971 when after seeing him perform magic and juggling on the streets of Paris, he actually witnessed his clandestine traverse between the towers of Notre Dame. In a forward, Auster noted "The streets were his first theater, and he still takes his performances there as seriously as his work on the wire."
A number of years ago I attended a visit by Petit on publication of his book about knots. What he shared then was his belief that there was no difference between walking a wire 2 inches above the ground and a wire almost a mile up. What impressed me was his sheer delight in the presence of so many kids in the audience that night, as he demonstrated the correct usage of knots and their importance in his work. But this book delves deeper into the psyche of a person willing to risk all to accomplish his feats. Its dangers and rewards. Well worth the trip.
November 22, 2019
Short book, though biographical in nature it reads more like a poem about high wire walking than an instructional text. You get a feel for what being a high wire artist is like and it makes you feel like you can achieve all your goals if you just follow the practice like Philippe instructs.
May 8, 2025
3.5 - beautiful prose, well maintained in translation. i read a lot of the book as metaphors for handling life’s challenges - i found that to be stunning. he might’ve just meant it as literally how to walk a high wire, who knows?
February 21, 2022
Beautiful, poetic, makes you fly in a quiet and light space
August 30, 2019
I got this book through the Amazon Vine program to review. It was an interesting blend of handbook and memoir. I learned some interesting things about high wire walking, but it felt disjointed and was incredibly short.
This book kind of goes into how to start high wire walking, but it also talks about what high wire means mentally and emotionally to Petit. This is by no means a history of Petit’s high wire walking or a guide on how to get started.
While there are some interesting tidbits in here on high wire walking and some of the work that goes into it...they are just that, tidbits. You have to wade through a lot of philosophical thoughts on high wire walking to get to the meat of it.
I personally thought the writing felt a bit disjointed and that it didn’t flow all that well. It is a very quick read though; took me maybe 40 minutes to read it.
Overall this was okay but not great. There is a bit of interesting info in here, but you have to wade through a lot of soft ideas to get to that info. The writing wasn’t the best, although maybe that was the translation. I pretty much thought..”eh, well whatever” when I read this. I was happy it didn’t take a lot of my time to read but disappointed that I didn’t learn more about high wire walking.
This book kind of goes into how to start high wire walking, but it also talks about what high wire means mentally and emotionally to Petit. This is by no means a history of Petit’s high wire walking or a guide on how to get started.
While there are some interesting tidbits in here on high wire walking and some of the work that goes into it...they are just that, tidbits. You have to wade through a lot of philosophical thoughts on high wire walking to get to the meat of it.
I personally thought the writing felt a bit disjointed and that it didn’t flow all that well. It is a very quick read though; took me maybe 40 minutes to read it.
Overall this was okay but not great. There is a bit of interesting info in here, but you have to wade through a lot of soft ideas to get to that info. The writing wasn’t the best, although maybe that was the translation. I pretty much thought..”eh, well whatever” when I read this. I was happy it didn’t take a lot of my time to read but disappointed that I didn’t learn more about high wire walking.
March 22, 2020
"Man of the Air, illuminate with you blood the Very Rich Hours of your passage among us. Limits exist only in the souls of those who do not dream."
A Book of Hours, a Hagakure, a collection of koans, a spiritual guide for those of us who would never dream of climbing onto a wire 2 1/2 inches above the ground, let alone one suspended between the towers of the World Trade Center.
"Robledillo became one of the great rope dancers at the end of a whip. His father attached little bells to the wire and would come running whenever it became silent.
The glory of suffering does not interest me.
Besides, I don't believe in anything. Uselessness is the only thing I like."
A Book of Hours, a Hagakure, a collection of koans, a spiritual guide for those of us who would never dream of climbing onto a wire 2 1/2 inches above the ground, let alone one suspended between the towers of the World Trade Center.
"Robledillo became one of the great rope dancers at the end of a whip. His father attached little bells to the wire and would come running whenever it became silent.
The glory of suffering does not interest me.
Besides, I don't believe in anything. Uselessness is the only thing I like."
December 10, 2024
Iniziato solo per scoprire se avrei voluto lavorarci come libro di studio per l'università, l'ho finito in meno di tre ore. Davvero impressionante. Quasi mi viene voglia di rischiare e salire in alto, nonostante io soffra di vertigini.
August 17, 2014
Libro sopravvalutato. Il mio approccio a questo trattato era stato deviato da tutte le recensioni positive che lo volevano come una metafora, un libro filosofico, una fonte di spunti di riflessione. Le mie aspettative erano gonfie e alte, perciò sono delusa da questo acquisto.
Va preso per quello che é, invece: un trattato di funambolismo.
Va preso per quello che é, invece: un trattato di funambolismo.
June 4, 2013
"e chi non vuole intraprendere una lotta accanita
di sforzi inutili, pericoli profondi, trappole,
chi non è pronto a dare tutto per sentirsi vivere,
non ha bisogno di diventare funambolo.
soprattutto, non lo potrebbe"
ognuno a modo suo - ha davanti una corda tesa per attraversare il vuoto.
di sforzi inutili, pericoli profondi, trappole,
chi non è pronto a dare tutto per sentirsi vivere,
non ha bisogno di diventare funambolo.
soprattutto, non lo potrebbe"
ognuno a modo suo - ha davanti una corda tesa per attraversare il vuoto.
Read
October 28, 2020i found this book in a bargain bin in the basement of the University of Maryland student union when i first started college many many years ago and loved the simplicity and approach of the book .. while part poetry, part experience, part manual, part philosophy what strikes you most is how much of Philippe and his personality he manages to simply convey in the translated french - his love for the wire is infectious and even though much of the book centers on his approach to walking a tight rope - the work really serves more as a manual for any endeavor where one must learn to master their fears hurl themselves into a broader unknown (often on what seems like a small wire that connects two worlds or the head and the heart) and learn how to run, dance, laugh and find that natural rhythm and balance in the silences and spaces between
lost this book for many years, picked up a new used copy a few months ago (looks like they also republished it last year) .. good to know that it still sparks the same nostalgia it once did .. that quiet monk-like passion culminating with simple reflection after his time spent in New York - artist in residence at St John's the Divine
lost this book for many years, picked up a new used copy a few months ago (looks like they also republished it last year) .. good to know that it still sparks the same nostalgia it once did .. that quiet monk-like passion culminating with simple reflection after his time spent in New York - artist in residence at St John's the Divine
January 29, 2023
I found this book via the randomizer on Libby/NYPL. It didn't speak deeply to me like it has for others. But that's okay! I got to learn a little bit about high wire walking and enjoy a view on spirituality and discipline that is different from mine.
December 31, 2023
Un libro inatteso e godibile. A tratti può risultare noioso se non si è addentro alla funamboleria ma comunque è curioso scoprire i dietro le quinte di questa affascinante arte. Disseminato qua e là di succose citazioni sulla funamboleria come metafora della vita. Tre stelle e mezzo
September 1, 2020
2.5 🌟 (the second half is good tho, just a slow beginning)
March 21, 2021
some good food
May 18, 2023
Deve ter-me escapado alguma coisa...
December 30, 2024
Chapeau. In tutti i sensi.
December 18, 2019
He is the master of the high wire. He speaks passionately about his craft. When you read this book you feel as though are walking on the wire behind him at times. Very well written, a quick read written by the expert.
November 28, 2024
Philippe Petit is a French acrobat and high wire tight rope walker. He first attracted attention in 1971 when he and a group of friends snuck onto the roof of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris and strung a wire between the two towers. Petit then walked across the wire while juggling balls.
He expanded on this stunt in 1973 by walking on a wire between the two supporting towers of Australia's Sydney Harbor Bridge.
But, by far, his most outlandish feat was in 1974 when he and his confederates disguised themselves s construction workers and made their way to the top of the unfinished World Trade Center in New York. In the early morning hours, commuters were treated to Petit tightrope walking between the Twin Towers some 1,300 feet above the ground for some 45 minutes.
. In this, his first book, Petit presents what is, essentially, a handbook for would be wire walkers. In a series of short, poetic chapters, Petit explains how to prepare the wire, how to choose the proper balancing pole and the techniques for both walking and running on the wire.
He also exposes the tricks some rope walkers use to fool audiences. Such as attacking an invisible safety line to their costume or stringing second, smaller wire above the walker's head, allowing them to grab on if they lose their balance.
He also writes about the fear of falling, the danger of losing concentration and the challenge of walking the rope while blindfolded.
What Philippe Petit never directly addresses is the reason why anyone would want to risk their life doing an activity that is essentially pointless. Soldiers who risk death do so for their country. Journalists who report in combat zones believe in the importance of covering the story. Construction workers take risks to build something that will be of use to their fellow citizens.
But walking across a high wire for the entertainment of spectators seems like a dubious enterprise. Some people simply need to take absurd risks to feel truly alive. Mountain climbers, extreme sports athletes, stunt pilots routinely risk life and limb for the adrenaline high they need to life a satisfactory life.
On the High Wire is a book for those curious about high wire walkers and what makes them tick. It will not fully explain the odd compulsion people like Petit have to endanger their lives routinely. But it will give you some insight into their mind set.
He expanded on this stunt in 1973 by walking on a wire between the two supporting towers of Australia's Sydney Harbor Bridge.
But, by far, his most outlandish feat was in 1974 when he and his confederates disguised themselves s construction workers and made their way to the top of the unfinished World Trade Center in New York. In the early morning hours, commuters were treated to Petit tightrope walking between the Twin Towers some 1,300 feet above the ground for some 45 minutes.
. In this, his first book, Petit presents what is, essentially, a handbook for would be wire walkers. In a series of short, poetic chapters, Petit explains how to prepare the wire, how to choose the proper balancing pole and the techniques for both walking and running on the wire.
He also exposes the tricks some rope walkers use to fool audiences. Such as attacking an invisible safety line to their costume or stringing second, smaller wire above the walker's head, allowing them to grab on if they lose their balance.
He also writes about the fear of falling, the danger of losing concentration and the challenge of walking the rope while blindfolded.
What Philippe Petit never directly addresses is the reason why anyone would want to risk their life doing an activity that is essentially pointless. Soldiers who risk death do so for their country. Journalists who report in combat zones believe in the importance of covering the story. Construction workers take risks to build something that will be of use to their fellow citizens.
But walking across a high wire for the entertainment of spectators seems like a dubious enterprise. Some people simply need to take absurd risks to feel truly alive. Mountain climbers, extreme sports athletes, stunt pilots routinely risk life and limb for the adrenaline high they need to life a satisfactory life.
On the High Wire is a book for those curious about high wire walkers and what makes them tick. It will not fully explain the odd compulsion people like Petit have to endanger their lives routinely. But it will give you some insight into their mind set.
December 22, 2022
A quick and profound read - both as a book of prose poetry and a meditation on circus training.
November 2, 2016
Pessimo libro. Mal scritto (forse vi ha un po' ha contibuito anche il traduttore ?; ma la considerazione è peraltro analoga anche per alcuni altri libri di autori francesi in cui sono incappato che aspirano e pretenderebbero di dare insegnamenti di vitae a porsi come delle "perle", il chè farebbe sorgere altri sospetti e considerazioni di più ampio respiro).
Frasi che vogliono atteggiarsi ad affermazioni ricche di profondità e financo attraversate da pseudo venature poetiche che risultano prive di significato, incomprensibili, senza alcun senso.
Non mi risulta d'altro canto si possano trarre particolari insegnamenti di vita, come molti adulatori dell'opera vanno dicendo (forse più sulla scorta del sentito dire e del generaleinfluenzamento altrui che per vera convinzione).
Appesantito da noiose, pesanti e a volte quasi incomprensibili descrizioni tecniche, d'altronde, tale opera non può nemmeno definirsi un vero trattato, ad onta del titolo, perchè ai miei occhi appare privo della scientificità, organicità e rigore propri di un trattato. Io che amo e prediligo la saggistica faticherei a definire tale opera un saggio. Confesso che, nonostante la brevità del libro, a tratti ho persino avuto la tentazione di abbandonarne la lettura.
Un'opera che non è nè carne nè pesce, mal scritta e pesante, scritta insomma con i piedi .... di un funambolo.
Frasi che vogliono atteggiarsi ad affermazioni ricche di profondità e financo attraversate da pseudo venature poetiche che risultano prive di significato, incomprensibili, senza alcun senso.
Non mi risulta d'altro canto si possano trarre particolari insegnamenti di vita, come molti adulatori dell'opera vanno dicendo (forse più sulla scorta del sentito dire e del generaleinfluenzamento altrui che per vera convinzione).
Appesantito da noiose, pesanti e a volte quasi incomprensibili descrizioni tecniche, d'altronde, tale opera non può nemmeno definirsi un vero trattato, ad onta del titolo, perchè ai miei occhi appare privo della scientificità, organicità e rigore propri di un trattato. Io che amo e prediligo la saggistica faticherei a definire tale opera un saggio. Confesso che, nonostante la brevità del libro, a tratti ho persino avuto la tentazione di abbandonarne la lettura.
Un'opera che non è nè carne nè pesce, mal scritta e pesante, scritta insomma con i piedi .... di un funambolo.
August 18, 2011
Questo libro é una piccola perla, uno di quei rari bagliori che capita di cogliere per fortuna o per caso...
Un tuffo nella profondità dell'essenza umana più pura: la ricerca del limite per elevarsi verso dio.
Un tuffo nella profondità dell'essenza umana più pura: la ricerca del limite per elevarsi verso dio.
February 22, 2010
The man on the high wire shows you how he reached the sky. And while you learn how difficult it could be to perform such a show, you lear step by step that the wire is nothing else but your life.
November 18, 2012
Al libro vanno 2 stelle, ma all'Uomo e le sue imprese uniche e irripetibili (Twin Towers), ne darei 6.
Non provate ad imitarlo...oppure si!
January 10, 2014
Un libro incredibile, scritto da una persona ancora più incredibile. La storia reale raccontata in metafora da raccogliere, raccontare e divulgare.
September 9, 2015
pure artistry.
February 10, 2016
Petit livre qui sans être un chef-d'oeuvre, nous fait visiter l'univers peu connu des funambules. Technique et poétique, ce livre vaut définitivement le détour.
June 9, 2022
Every sentence is a slice of cake, an exercise in creative word combination.
November 4, 2022
game-changing
February 22, 2008
a guerrila tight-rope walker who sets up his rope unannounced in the middle of the modern city and teaches those below how to dream.
here's what werner herzog has to say:
"This is a book on fear and solitude, a book on dreams and poetry, on ferocious heights and noble daring, on majestic balance and other-worldly immobility, on falling and death. It evokes an ecstasy which slumbers deep in all of us, a magnificent inner state which is like a hidden light."
much like walter steiner in herzog's film "the great ecstasy of the sculptor steiner."
this book is hard to find but worth it for the photos of philippe. paul auster translated this into english & included the text in a book called "translations" (which may still be in print).
here's what werner herzog has to say:
"This is a book on fear and solitude, a book on dreams and poetry, on ferocious heights and noble daring, on majestic balance and other-worldly immobility, on falling and death. It evokes an ecstasy which slumbers deep in all of us, a magnificent inner state which is like a hidden light."
much like walter steiner in herzog's film "the great ecstasy of the sculptor steiner."
this book is hard to find but worth it for the photos of philippe. paul auster translated this into english & included the text in a book called "translations" (which may still be in print).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews