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Limitless: The Autobiography
The thrilling autobiography of the astronaut who inspired a generation
The #1 bestselling author of Hello, is this planet Earth? and Ask an Astronaut
‘I looked down below my feet and suddenly noticed Australia flashing by. The vertigo hit me then. My gloved hands gripped the handrail as tightly as I could. I had been on my spacewalk for over an hour. I had trained for this moment for years. But nothing can prepare you for that feeling, for the full realisation that you are no longer living on Earth. Staring into the inky blackness, I felt completely isolated from everything and everyone I had ever known. And yet at the same time I could not help feeling a strange sense of belonging.'
In fascinating and personal detail, and based on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sacrifice that astronauts make in being apart from their families, the sights, the smells, the fear, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view from space. Limitless is a book about the power of following our dreams – however unlikely they may seem – and of striving to reach our potential, even when we might not believe in it ourselves.
Limitless also charts Peake’s surprising road to becoming an astronaut, from a shy and unassuming boy from Chichester who had a passion for flight, to a young British Army officer, Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot who served around the world. Peake’s extensive eighteen-year career in the army included the command of a platoon of soldiers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, deployment in Bosnia, and flying multiple high-risk sorties as a test pilot, including operations in Afghanistan. After he was selected by the European Space agency from over 8000 candidates, Peake undertook six years of training to be an astronaut, tested physically, psychologically, emotionally and intellectually – from learning Russian language in St. Petersburg to coping with the darkness and claustrophobia of living for days in caves in Sardinia and under the ocean off the United States.
The #1 bestselling author of Hello, is this planet Earth? and Ask an Astronaut
‘I looked down below my feet and suddenly noticed Australia flashing by. The vertigo hit me then. My gloved hands gripped the handrail as tightly as I could. I had been on my spacewalk for over an hour. I had trained for this moment for years. But nothing can prepare you for that feeling, for the full realisation that you are no longer living on Earth. Staring into the inky blackness, I felt completely isolated from everything and everyone I had ever known. And yet at the same time I could not help feeling a strange sense of belonging.'
In fascinating and personal detail, and based on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his mission, Tim Peake takes readers closer than ever before to experience what life in space is really like: the sacrifice that astronauts make in being apart from their families, the sights, the smells, the fear, the exhilaration and the deep and abiding wonder of the view from space. Limitless is a book about the power of following our dreams – however unlikely they may seem – and of striving to reach our potential, even when we might not believe in it ourselves.
Limitless also charts Peake’s surprising road to becoming an astronaut, from a shy and unassuming boy from Chichester who had a passion for flight, to a young British Army officer, Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot who served around the world. Peake’s extensive eighteen-year career in the army included the command of a platoon of soldiers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, deployment in Bosnia, and flying multiple high-risk sorties as a test pilot, including operations in Afghanistan. After he was selected by the European Space agency from over 8000 candidates, Peake undertook six years of training to be an astronaut, tested physically, psychologically, emotionally and intellectually – from learning Russian language in St. Petersburg to coping with the darkness and claustrophobia of living for days in caves in Sardinia and under the ocean off the United States.
336 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 15, 2020
322 people are currently reading
1532 people want to read
About the author
Tim Peake
29 books107 followersMajor Timothy Nigel "Tim" Peake CMG (born 7 April 1972) is a British Army Air Corps officer, European Space Agency astronaut and a former International Space Station (ISS) crew member.
He is the first British ESA astronaut, the second astronaut to bear a British flag patch (the first was Helen Sharman, who visited Mir as part of Project Juno in 1991), the sixth person born in the United Kingdom to go on board the International Space Station (the first was NASA astronaut Michael Foale in 2003) and the seventh UK-born person in space. He began the ESA's intensive astronaut basic training course in September 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
He is the first British ESA astronaut, the second astronaut to bear a British flag patch (the first was Helen Sharman, who visited Mir as part of Project Juno in 1991), the sixth person born in the United Kingdom to go on board the International Space Station (the first was NASA astronaut Michael Foale in 2003) and the seventh UK-born person in space. He began the ESA's intensive astronaut basic training course in September 2009 and graduated on 22 November 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
August 29, 2021
This book starts off fairly slowly, but gathers momentum as it goes along. To say that Peake has had an action-packed life is an understatement, and I enjoyed the frenetic pace as he moves from one gung-ho adventure to the next. These adventures frequently take him to different parts of the world - from an inspiring three months spent exploring Alaska on a cadet expedition, to a challenging stint as a soldier in Northern Ireland, to training as a test pilot, to potholing with friends, to becoming a "Resistance to Interrogation" instructor - the training for which sounded a nightmare, even though no-one was actually hurt. The part of the book concerning his applying to be an astronaut (there were about 8,500 applicants for six places...), is tense. As you can imagine, he was hugely sceptical that he would make it - but he did ! And he went up to the international space station for six months. I found that part of the book very exciting too - especially his space walk.
He comes across as being a lovely person and I really warmed to him. The only truly unattractive thing about him and his army friends is their slapstick sense of humour. Out of several bizarre tricks, herewith a description of one they played on a friend who had just got married...
Now if I was you, and I had read this far, I'd be thinking, " Pfffft.....not my thing.... Who the heck wants to find out about this crazy, buccaneering life?" But no, cast aside your prejudices - Peake is a powerful, insightful, charming and funny writer - and he had me hanging on to every word. I learnt so much about ways of life totally foreign to my own - and surely that is the essence of the pleasure of reading autobiographies. Highly recommended.
He comes across as being a lovely person and I really warmed to him. The only truly unattractive thing about him and his army friends is their slapstick sense of humour. Out of several bizarre tricks, herewith a description of one they played on a friend who had just got married...
"A few of us somehow managed to persuade the hotel staff that we needed some advance access to the happy couple's bedroom. David was a keen climber and amongst his bags was a climbing rope, carabiners and harnesses which he had brought over for some pre-wedding climbs. In addition to the usual tricks, we used the climbing rope to string up every piece of furniture in the room so they were hanging from the beams of the newly-weds' four-poster bed."
Now if I was you, and I had read this far, I'd be thinking, " Pfffft.....not my thing.... Who the heck wants to find out about this crazy, buccaneering life?" But no, cast aside your prejudices - Peake is a powerful, insightful, charming and funny writer - and he had me hanging on to every word. I learnt so much about ways of life totally foreign to my own - and surely that is the essence of the pleasure of reading autobiographies. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2021
I am not into space, sci-fi or anything like that but the frenzy in the UK around Tim Peake going up in space to the ISS also captivated me. The first Brit to go up into space was Helen Sharman who went up to the Mir space station in May 1991. You can see why it was such a big deal here. He was such an inspiration to kids. They seemed to be lapping up meeting him and watching him go into space. How could you not be hooked?
This is a really fantastic autobiography. It always helps when you have done so many interesting things in your life like Tim has from starting as a youngster in the Chichester Combined Cadet Force (Army division) to joining the Army Air Corps and being an elite helicopter pilot and instructor. His army career is fascinating but you know it is all building up to the ultimate event in his life. It is worth the wait. The interview process for him just to become an astronaut is vigorous to say the least.
He has been posted and has visited so many countries with the army and then with the European Space Agency. It is mind boggling. A real whirlwind.
The book is such an easy read but damn interesting. You know you’ve had a packed life that running the London marathon in an incredible time just gets a passing mention. That would be the pinnacle of my life. One thing you shouldn’t do, like I did, is read it when you are 50 years old and think to yourself that maybe you took the wrong career choice of sitting behind a desk for 12 hours-a-day. Oh well.
This was 5 stars all the way for me but it dropped at one point as it did get bogged down in the minutiae of helicopters. I glazed over.
This is a really fantastic autobiography. It always helps when you have done so many interesting things in your life like Tim has from starting as a youngster in the Chichester Combined Cadet Force (Army division) to joining the Army Air Corps and being an elite helicopter pilot and instructor. His army career is fascinating but you know it is all building up to the ultimate event in his life. It is worth the wait. The interview process for him just to become an astronaut is vigorous to say the least.
He has been posted and has visited so many countries with the army and then with the European Space Agency. It is mind boggling. A real whirlwind.
The book is such an easy read but damn interesting. You know you’ve had a packed life that running the London marathon in an incredible time just gets a passing mention. That would be the pinnacle of my life. One thing you shouldn’t do, like I did, is read it when you are 50 years old and think to yourself that maybe you took the wrong career choice of sitting behind a desk for 12 hours-a-day. Oh well.
This was 5 stars all the way for me but it dropped at one point as it did get bogged down in the minutiae of helicopters. I glazed over.
March 14, 2021
This was a wonderfully easy read that gives you a lot of insight into flying helicopters and the process of becoming an astronaut. You know what though? And whisper this, you could even say it was a little dull in places. I mean, no scandals here, Tim Peake is just a really polite, focused and normal kind of guy who loves his job! He just loves being hands-on and being propelled by flying things
Being (perhaps unfairly) critical, I'd say it is not particularly insightful into 'who Tim Peake is, and what drives him'. The chapters don't deviate on format from one to another; sometimes, you end up a bit ancedoted out by the end of a chapter.
But on the positive, it's a very well written book and gives you a behind the scenes take on day to day life as an army helicopter pilot. The vast majority of the anecdotes are interesting and fun. Ultimately, Tim's stroy communicates the fruits of determination, self-belief, and a supportive family network.
Would I recommend: Yes, probably to a youngster.
Being (perhaps unfairly) critical, I'd say it is not particularly insightful into 'who Tim Peake is, and what drives him'. The chapters don't deviate on format from one to another; sometimes, you end up a bit ancedoted out by the end of a chapter.
But on the positive, it's a very well written book and gives you a behind the scenes take on day to day life as an army helicopter pilot. The vast majority of the anecdotes are interesting and fun. Ultimately, Tim's stroy communicates the fruits of determination, self-belief, and a supportive family network.
Would I recommend: Yes, probably to a youngster.
October 27, 2020
Very enjoyable. Inspirational gentleman.
February 19, 2021
“There is life before children and life after children - every parent knows this - and it’s fair to say that I was not prepared for the dramatic extent of the difference. I’m not talking about the nappies, the sleepless nights and the shirts speckled with baby vomit, although those were something. It was the shift in outlook that took me by surprise. Suddenly a tiny new human had arrived who was completely dependent on Rebecca and myself and who had instantly and effortlessly taken up a position at the centre of our universe.
Another question I am often asked: Did spaceflight change my perspective? Absolutely it did. You can’t look down on the planet from up there and not see the world differently afterwards. But did it change my perspective as much as becoming a father did? Not even close.” Page 307
Another question I am often asked: Did spaceflight change my perspective? Absolutely it did. You can’t look down on the planet from up there and not see the world differently afterwards. But did it change my perspective as much as becoming a father did? Not even close.” Page 307
October 22, 2020
Tim comes across as a very down to earth kinda guy (no pun intended) who worked incredibly hard to get where he is today as an ESA astronaut. A lot credit goes to his wife Rebecca who put up with the constant moving around to Germany and the US and bringing up a young family at the same time.
I admit I took a break reading in the middle as it got a bit technical for me with the helicopter training and engines and such like but of course it gets really interesting once he started the application process for ESA.
Overall, a really good read and a fascinating insight into life on the ISS of course
I admit I took a break reading in the middle as it got a bit technical for me with the helicopter training and engines and such like but of course it gets really interesting once he started the application process for ESA.
Overall, a really good read and a fascinating insight into life on the ISS of course
December 27, 2020
This is my 45 book this year and I was 50/50 if I would like it was a pleasant surprise a well written autobiography with lots of humour Tim comes across as a very down to earth man ( no pun intended ) a must read book I would put it as the best book I have read this year so pleased I decided to give it ago
August 31, 2021
I was looking forward to reading this after seeing a few TV interviews with Tim Peake about this book. However I have to say I was sadly disappointed with it! The first 3/4 of the book is quite repetitive, full of jargon and detail that I didn’t need to know. It was only when the selection process for being an astronaut started that it got my attention and I really enjoyed the last 1/4 of the book! I really wanted it to be a good read but I’m afraid i can’t say it was.
January 17, 2021
I loved this book, especially the second half where the astronaut training started. But all the talk of helicopters flew straight over my head. Recommended if you are a space or Tim Peake fan.
April 12, 2021
Limitless
I don’t usually read biographies. Perhaps I’m jaded from walking past the bargain bin and seeing too many D-list celebrities trying to make a quick buck. Surely people’s lives aren’t more interesting than the characters and stories within sci-fi or fantasy? That’s probably true for a lot of us, but not so much for Tim Peake and his journey from Cadet to Apache pilot to Astronaut.
The only way is up
The narrative starts off slow - an inevitable setting of the scene I suppose, particularly as we all know why we’re here. Space. Tim even mentions later on his very ‘normal’ and easy childhood. I was starting to get impatient with all the details about school names and locations when it started to pick up the pace and we’re off on adventures into the wilderness. My cup of tea. From there we’re learning about army mishaps, the unbelievable training scenarios he went through, and the amazing things he saw and did all over the globe. The sheer amount of fascinating anecdotes and insights, not to mention a large helping of military pranks, keep you hooked as Tim starts racking up a very impressive CV.
He’s very down to Earth (pun?) in his writing, interjecting with his interesting thoughts on certain events and people. It all feels frank and real, and I feel his admiration for supporters and mentors – particularly his partner Rebecca who seemed to have endless patience during Tim’s tours.
Too perfect
Most people have wondered at some point what it takes to become an astronaut. You can certainly see how each step in his career, every training course or voluntary exercise, built up someone who is perfectly suited to be an astronaut. Tim does well to point out certain turning points in his career, what became relevant down the line or in retrospect. In that sense, this book is a great success – most people will pick this up wondering: what life does someone lead to end up in space?
One problem I didn’t realise I’d have with this book is the inevitable reflection on my own life and feeling vastly unaccomplished in comparison! This says more about me than the book, but is particularly keen because growing up I had so many of the same interests and upbringing. However, this is also what kept me so engaged – living through all these experiences through Tim’s recollection. Though when we do finally get to space, it all seemed over very quickly.
If you like Tim Peake, or space, or camping, hiking, helicopters, the military…you’ll very much enjoy this. If you came here purely for the astronaut details, I’d highly recommend Tim Peake’s other book Ask An Astronaut.
I don’t usually read biographies. Perhaps I’m jaded from walking past the bargain bin and seeing too many D-list celebrities trying to make a quick buck. Surely people’s lives aren’t more interesting than the characters and stories within sci-fi or fantasy? That’s probably true for a lot of us, but not so much for Tim Peake and his journey from Cadet to Apache pilot to Astronaut.
The only way is up
The narrative starts off slow - an inevitable setting of the scene I suppose, particularly as we all know why we’re here. Space. Tim even mentions later on his very ‘normal’ and easy childhood. I was starting to get impatient with all the details about school names and locations when it started to pick up the pace and we’re off on adventures into the wilderness. My cup of tea. From there we’re learning about army mishaps, the unbelievable training scenarios he went through, and the amazing things he saw and did all over the globe. The sheer amount of fascinating anecdotes and insights, not to mention a large helping of military pranks, keep you hooked as Tim starts racking up a very impressive CV.
He’s very down to Earth (pun?) in his writing, interjecting with his interesting thoughts on certain events and people. It all feels frank and real, and I feel his admiration for supporters and mentors – particularly his partner Rebecca who seemed to have endless patience during Tim’s tours.
Too perfect
Most people have wondered at some point what it takes to become an astronaut. You can certainly see how each step in his career, every training course or voluntary exercise, built up someone who is perfectly suited to be an astronaut. Tim does well to point out certain turning points in his career, what became relevant down the line or in retrospect. In that sense, this book is a great success – most people will pick this up wondering: what life does someone lead to end up in space?
One problem I didn’t realise I’d have with this book is the inevitable reflection on my own life and feeling vastly unaccomplished in comparison! This says more about me than the book, but is particularly keen because growing up I had so many of the same interests and upbringing. However, this is also what kept me so engaged – living through all these experiences through Tim’s recollection. Though when we do finally get to space, it all seemed over very quickly.
If you like Tim Peake, or space, or camping, hiking, helicopters, the military…you’ll very much enjoy this. If you came here purely for the astronaut details, I’d highly recommend Tim Peake’s other book Ask An Astronaut.
January 4, 2025
Tim is a sound and very likeable guy and his life has been action packed and inspiring, with the book full of interesting anecdotes. However, I feel as though it lacks something. Sometimes I wanted to know more about what he felt, what makes him tick, what drives him, rather than a constant flow of chronological anecdotes.
Overall, it’s a good book and well worth the read. It picks up in pace in part 3 when we get to the juicy space stuff, which is why we’re all reading it. My only two criticisms would firstly be the slight lack of emotion, as I mentioned before, and secondly, although it sounds unfair, Tim just comes across as so squeaky clean that I found myself wanting a bit more attitude, a bit more drama. I suppose this is doubly unfair as Tim represents the UK’s investment in space exploration, and therefore his image has to be pristine.
Fair play though, the guys had a life.
Overall, it’s a good book and well worth the read. It picks up in pace in part 3 when we get to the juicy space stuff, which is why we’re all reading it. My only two criticisms would firstly be the slight lack of emotion, as I mentioned before, and secondly, although it sounds unfair, Tim just comes across as so squeaky clean that I found myself wanting a bit more attitude, a bit more drama. I suppose this is doubly unfair as Tim represents the UK’s investment in space exploration, and therefore his image has to be pristine.
Fair play though, the guys had a life.
March 28, 2021
A fascinating read.
This kind of book for me is a total change to my usual reads. I thoroughly enjoyed the change. Space has always had a fascination for me and to read about how Tim’s journey got him there has been insightful. I truly fascinating read. A book full of positivity his personality shines through. So glad I read it and so glad it was on special offer at 99p kindle from Amazon.
This kind of book for me is a total change to my usual reads. I thoroughly enjoyed the change. Space has always had a fascination for me and to read about how Tim’s journey got him there has been insightful. I truly fascinating read. A book full of positivity his personality shines through. So glad I read it and so glad it was on special offer at 99p kindle from Amazon.
March 25, 2024
It excuses a lot of culture which results in bullying and dehumanising and even when saying that some people are not comfortable with destructive weapons, ultimately talking about a gun that could destroy a village didn't really touch on what that means for people who are at the receiving end of that damage. It felt like an old style join the armed forces because it is a jolly good adventure (with tough bits) type book rather than having much reflection on it.
March 4, 2021
I only got half way through this book.
To begin with it's quite enjoyable, but once Peake joins the army it becomes repetitive.
One outdoor adventure after another, in fabulous locations, with superb people, doing exciting great things. It reads like he spends 9 months of the year on holiday and then the rest on leave, with no real setbacks, as he is pretty ace at everything he does. By page 200 I'd had enough of reading about just how great a time he was having.
To begin with it's quite enjoyable, but once Peake joins the army it becomes repetitive.
One outdoor adventure after another, in fabulous locations, with superb people, doing exciting great things. It reads like he spends 9 months of the year on holiday and then the rest on leave, with no real setbacks, as he is pretty ace at everything he does. By page 200 I'd had enough of reading about just how great a time he was having.
May 23, 2021
Simply outstanding - warm, funny, awe-inspiring and so interesting. The sheer range of challenges, adventures and training Tim’s done is so much more than the impressive feat of his being an astronaut- thuu in S is easily in my top 10 of autobiographies now (of maybe 120?) - 💯 recommend.
Just fantastic.
Just fantastic.
December 11, 2023
Fantastic autobiography focusing 2/3 on his family life, army helicopter pilot and test pilot roles and the last 1/3 on the astronaut training and mission.
A comment at the end of the book sums up Tim’s gratitude to his parents (he also calls out his thankfulness for his wife and children in the book) : “thanking my wonderful parents for their endless support and encouragement, for giving me that childhood nirvana of a ‘normal upbringing’ and for maintaining such a great sense of humour throughout my various adventures “.
Well worth a read.
A comment at the end of the book sums up Tim’s gratitude to his parents (he also calls out his thankfulness for his wife and children in the book) : “thanking my wonderful parents for their endless support and encouragement, for giving me that childhood nirvana of a ‘normal upbringing’ and for maintaining such a great sense of humour throughout my various adventures “.
Well worth a read.
February 11, 2024
An incredible, humorous, very humane adventure-action-space opera novel. Oh no, wait, this guy's for real! Absolutely astounding and grappling adventures, incredible characters along the way. Easy to read, well written and well structured. Probably the best autobiography I've ever read, stylistically and in terms of content.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
January 8, 2021
A really positive and fascinating read. What makes somebody want to tackle being a test pilot or walk in space? Hugely exciting, but also hugely terrifying, I suspect most of us would struggle to put ourselves into these situations and still be able to function. These guys genuinely want to do it. Not that they're unrealistic about the risks, but they can manage it and keep it in perspective because of their training and commitment. Massive respect to them and their families and friends. Tim Peake simply tells his story well, including the ups and downs. It's a page turner, even though you probably know how it ends.
February 26, 2021
Wow! What an amazing man - even before becoming an Astronaut.
This was the most entertaining and educational autobiography I have ever and probably will ever read.
He has a great sense of humour and many hilarious stories and moments to share.
I can't recommend this book enough!!
This was the most entertaining and educational autobiography I have ever and probably will ever read.
He has a great sense of humour and many hilarious stories and moments to share.
I can't recommend this book enough!!
December 29, 2023
fantastic book
What a great read Tim is superhuman it’s unbelievable what he had to go through to achieve his dreams . A great read for anyone plus some great pictures at the end . Well done Tim
What a great read Tim is superhuman it’s unbelievable what he had to go through to achieve his dreams . A great read for anyone plus some great pictures at the end . Well done Tim
January 16, 2024
An incredible book about an amazing man, who seems to have lived multiple lives in one! For someone that’s afraid of heights and flying, I absolutely loved reading about it through the words of someone who loves it!!!
February 12, 2025
Such a fascinating and inspiring read! And so interesting hearing what life as an astronaut is truly like!!
Tim has had such an amazing career, where he pushed his own boundaries and limits and truly achieved, I can only hope to feel so fulfilled at the end of mine!!
Tim has had such an amazing career, where he pushed his own boundaries and limits and truly achieved, I can only hope to feel so fulfilled at the end of mine!!
January 6, 2021
Enjoyed this book and learning about Tim's journey to becoming an Astronaut.
January 23, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read . Well written and aimed beautifully at someone who knows little about space travel but has an interest !
February 13, 2021
Very funny, highly inspirational and super interesting to read! Would definitely recommend!
September 14, 2023
Cadet, Sandhurst, Army Air Corps, Apache pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. Major Tim Peake has had an incredible life so far and he relates his adventures with wit and charm. The audiobook, narrated by the author, was entertaining from beginning to end.
May 21, 2024
Much better writer than any US astronaut
July 19, 2022
Really good read and interesting throughout. Not my normal kind of book but was engaging from the beginning and flowed throughout. I was genuinely surprised at the like the author has led and how nomadic he and his family have had to be for him to achieve the astronaut goal.
Would thoroughly recommend even if you are not interested in the concept of space travel but just want to read about a genuinely interesting man and modern day hero.
Would thoroughly recommend even if you are not interested in the concept of space travel but just want to read about a genuinely interesting man and modern day hero.
May 25, 2023
Fantastic
After seeing Tim peake on a live tour the book showed a better insight absolutely brilliant book and a great insight
After seeing Tim peake on a live tour the book showed a better insight absolutely brilliant book and a great insight
June 11, 2025
Great book, a lot funnier and wittier than I expected. So nice and easy to read, it feels like you’re having a conversation with Tim. Highly recommend if you want to get inspired!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews