Icarus Syndrome - by John Long (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Dive into the Abyss of Human Courage: 'Icarus Syndrome' - 19 Stories Unveiling the Thrill and Dangers of Pushing Boundaries."

Embark on a captivating exploration of human compulsion with John Long's "Icarus Syndrome." In these 19 stories, Long delves into the core of humanity's relentless pursuit of new experiences and the fine line between adventure and recklessness. As we toe the edge above the void, facing the profound silence where mortality meets the divine, Long captures the essence of pushing boundaries. With eloquence and depth, "Icarus Syndrome" holds our relentless quest for more to the light, allowing readers to soar into the loftiest realms of human courage. Balancing on the precipice, Long invites us to question our own limits and understand the delicate dance between the pursuit of lofty dreams and the ever-present downward slip.

John Long, a celebrated author and adventurer, brings a lifetime of daring experiences to "Icarus Syndrome." Known for his prolific contributions to adventure literature, Long's work resonates with those seeking to understand the human spirit's unyielding quest for the extraordinary. With a keen eye for the nuances of risk and reward, Long's storytelling captures the thrill and dangers inherent in pushing the boundaries of human potential. As a revered figure in the world of adventure writing, Long's exploration of the Icarus Syndrome adds another compelling chapter to his illustrious career, offering readers a profound reflection on the complexities of our innate drive for more.

"Icarus Syndrome" is not just a collection of stories; it's a mesmerizing journey into the heart of human courage. John Long's narratives, steeped in adventure and wisdom, unravel the delicate dance between pushing boundaries and the looming shadows of the unknown. With each story, Long invites readers to soar into the loftiest realms of human experience, questioning the limits of our courage and the pursuit of lofty dreams. This book is a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels us to the edge above the void, where the profound silence beckons us to face mortality and the divine. An exploration of risk, reward, and the enduring quest for more, "Icarus Syndrome" is a poignant reflection on the essence of being human.

Review Quotes

"John Long is a genre unto himself. Few other writers can
match his lean and unpredictable prose, and this latest collection
proves that he remains a shrewd witness of today's cutting-edge
adventure sports."

Andrew Bisharat

Climber, National Geographic Writer

"Anyone interested in getting out beyond the ordinary, and, say, crew onto a black-smoke-spewing barge headed up a nameless Brazilian river in search of the existential headwaters, owes it to themselves to get a copy of Icarus Syndrome. Stories like 'A Bend in the River' are simply all time."

Duane Raleigh

Editor and Chief, Outside Magazine

"Adventure and climbing legend John Long is an oddity, 'cause not many adventurers can write, and not many writers can climb, kayak, etc. John Long's Icarus Syndrome is a colorful brew of adventurers, heroes and misfits, and John writes about them with a curiously muscular, effortless literary style to impart such sensitive insights."

Steve Schwartz

Producer for The Road, The Counselor, All the Old Knives, and president of Chockstone Pictures

Icarusis John Long's howl of praise for the excesses and triumphs of meteoric youth. In these deft autobiographical sketches, spangled with his gift for the mordant phrase, Long evokes all the sense of living life to the hilt that infuses the writings of one of America's greatest practitioners of the art."

David Roberts

author of The Mountain of My Fear, The Bears Ears: A Human History,
and other books

"John Long makes me sick with envy. I mean, how a futuristic ultra-elite-athlete became a truly accomplished writer of literary adventure stories delivering complex emotions and characters
alongside throat-grabbing thrills is, well, nothing short of miraculous."

Daniel Duane

Men's Journal

"These tales flow like honey down the edge of a knife. One side of the blade is love and the other is death, and that describes the central preoccupations of this volume. John Long is at the top of
his game - a master storyteller."

Jeff Jackson

At Large Editor, Climbing Magazine, Prof. of Literature, University of Hawaii, Maui

About the Author

John Long was an original member of the legendary "Stonemasters," a core group of California climbers who lit the fuse on the modern adventure sports revolution. His incredible feats include the first one-day ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. Long describes himself as "a writer who just happens to get caught up in climbing and adventuring."

John Long has written over 40 books, with nearly three million copies in print. His literary short stories have been translated into many languages. He is the recipient of a National Book Award, the H. Adams Carter Literary Award from the American Alpine Club, and has won the Grand Prize at the Ban Film and Book Festival.

John Long has two beautiful daughters and two grandchildren. He currently resides in Venice Beach, California.