The Man Who Climbs Trees

By: James Aldred

Narrated by: Samuel Roukin

A professional tree climber encounters gorillas, snakes, spiders, and birds of prey, as well as answers and perspective, hundreds of feet up, all over the world

Every child knows the allure of climbing trees. But how many of us get to make a living at it, spending days observing nature from the canopies of stunning forests all around the world?

As a wildlife cameraman for the BBC and National Geographic, James Aldred spends his working life high up in trees, poised to capture key moments in the lives of wild animals and birds. Aldred's climbs take him to the most incredible and majestic trees in existence. In Borneo, home to the tallest tropical rain forest on the planet, just getting a rope up into the 250-foot-tall trees is a challenge. In Venezuela, even body armor isn't guaranteed protection against the razor-sharp talons of a nesting Harpy Eagle. In Australia, the peace of being lulled to sleep in a hammock 25 stories above the ground - after a grueling day of climbing and filming - is broken by a midnight storm that threatens to topple the tree.

In this vivid account of memorable trees he has climbed ("Goliath", "Apollo", "Roaring Meg"), Aldred blends incredible stories of his adventures in the branches with a fascination for the majesty of trees to show us the joy of rising - literally - above the daily grind, up into the canopy of the forest.

©2017 James Aldred (P)2018 Recorded Books

Joy of the climb

How purpose of the reasoning of climbing up a tree say for rigging a camera or the desire to be away from the mundane life below, overcome the effort and even fear of the ascent. Truly inspiring and wonderful stories!

Absolutely Fantastic

I’m thoroughly impressed with the craft and skill that went into writing this book. Aldred places you securely in the canopy of wonders.
I’m really looking forward to his next release!

Very good!!

Loved learning of all the challenges he faced in his climbs, yet he continued on despite them to enjoy the wonders of nature.

Incredible

What a vivid account of the adventures of one of the most devoted tree climbers I have ever heard of. His grit, tenacity and passion a palatable throughout the entire story