I’ve just finished reading the ‘Facing up’ book by Bear Grylls, which is all about his experience of climbing Mount Everest – I’d like to read some more modern era biography books of similar ilk – what can you recommend?

If you like military type biographies, I would recommend ‘Barefoot Solider’ by Johnson Beharry VC.

The White Spider is a classic of mountaineering lit – if you’ve not read it already. Partly biographical account of Heinreich Harrer’s ascent of the Eiger’s north face along with other epic efforts on that mountain in the 30s – 50s.

ETA – not really modern era so doesn’t fit your criteria but it holds up v well – it’s a great read.

White spider is defo worth a read

Also ‘the climb’ by Anatoli Boukreev , lent my copy out and never seen it since 🙁

Plus one for Barefoot Soldier
Top read

A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush Eric Newby, in fact anything by Newby

I read Sniper One recently, would highly recommend that to anyone too – back on topic, interested in other books of survival too

I’ve been recommended ‘Into thin air’ not read it yet myself though

A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush Eric Newby, in fact anything by Newby

Was going to recommend Newby, too!

The honour and the shame by John Keannelly VC is excellent

The Worst Journey In The World – Cherry Apsley Garrad

Man hauling sledges across the antarctic in 1912. A real eye opener, well written and a bloody read.

Chickenhawk.
Dispatches.

Newby gets a nod from me too.

As does http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Macintyre#Bibliography

Especially Zigzag, Mincemeat and Double Cross. Just finished the latter, and it was very, very good indeed.

‘Its not about the bike’ by Lance Armstrong. 😀

Or on a more serious note ‘Its all about the bike’ by Robert Penn.

You could try my book on how to win friends and influence people.

Touching my fathers soul by Jamling Tenzing Norgay.

Best one of all the books i read when i got back from Nepal.

Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know. Epic!

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Call of the Wild by Guy Grieve
South by Ernest Shackleton
Creag Dubh Climber – The Lift & Times of John Cunningham

My missus got me a Bear Grylls twin book with facing up plus facing the frozen ocean which is account of crossing the north Atlantic. Not as good as facing up but still worth a read. He appears less of a c0ck reading his books than watching him on TV.

Psycho vertical by Andy Kirkpatrick is a very good read.

I’m currently reading The Villain but not really taking to Jim Perrins writing style. Read Don Whillans autobiog a number of years ago.

If you liked sniper one try first in to action by Duncan Falconer.

+1 for Psycho-Vertical.

I remember enjoying On Thin Ice by Mick Fowler.

Climbing Free by Lynn Hill I also enjoyed (but less similar, more plain climbing bio).

A good friend of mine has just written his first book. Travel/ biography and very funny. If any of the STW ski / board collective have ever holidayed in Val d’Isere in the past you may know of him too as he was the English radio presenter there for many years

‘Radio’ Will Jones – A view from the cheap seats.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/View-From-The-Cheap-Seats/dp/1849631719

Shameless plug, I know but it is an entertaining read.

Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
Annapurna by Maurice Herzog
History of the Blues by Francis Davis

Into the abyss….just kindled it,read 1/3 of it so far…pretty good

Thanks, some great recommendations here – will check them out