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The Man Who Climbs Trees

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About this listen

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

 Adventure Travel Biological Sciences Botany & Plants Outdoors & Nature Science Adventure Heartfelt

Critic reviews

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.
The giant trees, described by James Aldred, are full of wonder and his fascinating book is a story of real adventure
A great read – incredible adventures and a dramatic new perspective from the arms of the world’s giants
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!
[A] delightful, endlessly fascinating book (Brian Viner)
To leave the dank darkness of the jungle floor and travel up to the sunlight forest canopy is probably the natural world’s most exciting revelation. James Aldred’s wonderful book is as close as you will ever get to that experience, without risking the climb for yourself.
A heady blend of daredevil ascents with a reflective wonder at the beauty of these living climbing frames
A beautiful testament to the unique perspective offered by life high in the branches (Bruce Parry, award-winning documentary film-maker and author)
All stars
Most relevant
James Aldred accounts his remarkable story thus far. As a wild life camera he has amazing stories from his work. He also has a deep unique connection with trees, and explores his spirituality throughout the book.

An easy listen, for anyone who has a passing interest in climbing, trees, cameras, natural history or spirituality.

Highly recommended

Memories, nature and spirituality

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I listened to this audiobook almost in one go during a long drive, and I was completely immersed. James Aldred has a truly unique voice – both as a writer and a narrator – and his stories from the forest canopy are as breathtaking as they are humbling.

You get a rare glimpse into remote rainforests, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the challenges of working high above the ground, all delivered with a poetic touch and deep respect for nature. It’s both an adventure and a reflection on our connection to the natural world.

Highly recommended – I’ll definitely be listening to more from James Aldred.

Incredible storytelling from the treetops

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