Closer to the Edge: Climbing to the Ends of the Earth

by Leo Houlding

Leo Houlding started climbing at ten years of age in the Lake District and was the youngest person (and first Briton) to free climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in the United States at eighteen years, which cemented his reputation. He has since gone on to summit the world's toughest peaks and explore the most extreme places on our planet. During such explorations he has had to deal with tragedy when close friends and colleagues have been killed or badly injured, and he will discuss how you deal with such loss and carry on. Honest, raw and exhilarating, Closer to the Edge will be a 'warts-and-all' insight into the extreme life of one of Britain's best mountaineer adventurers. What drives him? How does he assess risk and judge what level he'll take himself to be successful, and how does he balance this with teaching his own children the lessons he has learnt in some of the world's most dangerous and extreme places.

Genres: Climbing

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2022

Reviews

[Lucy Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very speedy read, enjoyed reading about all the epic adventures and definitely gave some good inspiration.
I enjoyed the quote "Scottish winter climbing often involves climbing in bad weather, small mountains punching well beyond their weight in the suffering division" - Leo isn't the biggest fan of Scottish winter
His family ascent of Piz Badile sounded incredible

[George Bowles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Leo, I've seen many of his films and always thought it was cool to see another British guy (not from the US) doing epic s**t. However, I don't know if it's because I listened to this book or what but he comes across as incredibly arrogant. So much so that it was hard to finish. Hearing him talk about his own "obvious talent" and move on incredibly quickly to some other adventure after mentioning the death of a friend disturbed me. Great stories, but I'll stick to the films for now.

[Jocelyn Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could use another proofread but other than a few little typos, excellent book. Had me want to get out and climb harder, jump off cooler shit and LIVE LIFE ! Can’t wait to read books featuring his newer expeditions.

[Alex Holder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, compelling account of one of the best adventure climbers ever, final chapter made me tear up. Highly recommended!

[Austris Cirulnieks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally inhaled this book. If this doesn't motivate you to go on an adventure, I don't know what will.
A condensed and engaging biography of Leo Houlding mixed with breathtaking adventures, a delicate balancing act of danger and pushing the limits.
Loved every single bit of it. I hope to read about other Leo's adventures at some point in the future.
In the meantime, I'll try to channel all the stoke and enthusiasm this book radiates into my own adventures.
Highly recommended read to all adventure lovers, world explorers, thrill seekers as well as young parents on how to take kids out for adventures.

[jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really interesting book. Didn't know BASE jumping was an acronym. Very cool insights into mindset and many different personalities that Leo has been around. Neat that the pilot was the same for the Antarctic as the arctic trip. Interesting considerations around risk management.

[Andrea Mad Vacca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great adventure book. I've been watching Leo's movies since long ago, and I was aware of most of his achievements, yet this book gives a all different perspective.
Kudos

[Lola Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Epic stories, bit of an ego, as per male climbers!

[Charlie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was gonna be a good one for me and it did not disappoint chur

[Freyasocal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best autobiography ever,Would reccomend to all.