On the High Wire
With an introduction by Paul Auster
Philippe Petit author Paul Auster translator Paul Auster editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Orion Publishing Co
Published:3rd Feb '22
Should be back in stock very soon
Philippe Petit’s On the High Wire explores his journey of fearlessness, offering insights into the art of high-wire walking and the pursuit of dreams.
In On the High Wire, renowned high-wire artist Philippe Petit shares his insights and experiences from a life dedicated to the art of balance and daring. Written at the young age of twenty-three, this poetic handbook serves as both a memoir and a guide for those who aspire to conquer their fears and pursue their dreams. Petit reflects on his remarkable feats, including his iconic walks between the towers of Notre Dame and the World Trade Center, emphasizing the importance of preparation, self-control, and unwavering commitment to one’s craft.
Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Petit delves into the intricacies of high-wire performance, discussing the rigging of the wire, the significance of the walker's first steps, and the rituals that accompany each performance. He also pays homage to other notable high-wire artists, illustrating the shared passion that unites them in their pursuit of the extraordinary. The book is not merely about the art of walking on a wire; it is a profound meditation on the human spirit’s capacity to overcome fear and embrace the unknown.
On the High Wire encourages readers to embrace life fully, reminding them that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. With contributions from Paul Auster, who provides a thoughtful introduction and translation, this book stands as a testament to the beauty of daring greatly and living authentically. It is a celebration of the ecstasy that comes from reaching for the stars.
This is a book of instructions to those who will dare one day the impossible. It shows the art to fill and illuminate the Void, a void between two towers, two edges of a ravine, or two planets, or the space between heart and mind. A wire connects what would have been separated in loneliness forever. I salute you, Philippe, the Fragile Man of the Wire, the Emperor of the air. I bow my head in reverence -- WERNER HERZOG
Petit meditates on his calling, his prose aphoristic, gem-like. The book is about what he does, but it's also about what we all do, if there's anything we're obsessed with, or passionate about. He outlines a whole approach to life, and his vision is pure, primitive and poetic . . . The lessons are simple, universal. Be committed. Feel alive. Give everything * INDEPENDENT *
Fascinating. You will learn about the man, his work, his passion, his tenacity and lucidity -- MARCEL MARCEAU
Philippe Petit is an artist whose theatre is the sky -- ROBIN WILLIAMS
A remarkable book . . . the high wire is an art of solitude, a way of coming to grips with one's life in the darkest, most secret corner of the self. When read carefully, the book is transformed into the story of a quest, an exemplary tale of one man's search for perfection. As such, it has more to do with the inner life than the high wire . . . anyone who has ever tried to do something well, anyone who has ever made personal sacrifices for an art or an idea, will have no trouble understanding what it is about -- PAUL AUSTER, from the Introduction
What sets Philippe in a class all his own is his restless quest to conquer the greatest physical heights, achieving a precise balance of chaos and creativity. He is an inspiration -- MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV
ISBN: 9781474622431
Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 14mm
Weight: 134g
144 pages