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Philippe Petit
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To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers Kindle Edition

by Philippe Petit (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 249 ratings

An artist of the air re-creates his six-year plot to pull off an act of incomparable beauty and imagination

One late-summer day, a feat of unimaginable audacity was perpetrated on the twin towers of the World Trade Center. The year was 1974. A hundred thousand people gathered on the ground to watch in awe as twenty-four-year-old high wire artist Philippe Petit made eight crossings between the all-but-completed towers, a quarter mile above the earth, over the course of nearly an hour.

Petit's achievement made headlines around the world. Yet few who saw or heard about it realized that it was the fulfillment of a dream he had nurtured for six years, rekindling it each time it was in danger of expiring. His accomplices were a motley crew of foreigners and Americans, who under Petit's direction had conpired, connived, labored, argued, rehearsed, and improvised to make possible an act of unsurpassed aerial artistry.

In this visually and verbally stunning book, Petit tells for the first time the dramatic story of this history-making walk, from conception and clandestine planning to the performance and its aftermath. The account draws on Petit's journals, which capture everything from his budgets to his strategies for rigging a high wire in the dead of night between two of the most secure towers in the world. It is animated by photographs taken by two of Petit's collaborators, and by his own wonderfully evocative sketches and unquenchable humor.

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  1. Print length
    244 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    North Point Press
  4. Publication date
    September 4, 2002
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

“By evoking his youthful passion for the World Trade Center, Petit brings the towers’ awesomeness back to life.”
—SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

“Every time I watch Philippe Petit perform, my heart beats a mile a minute, and I wonder, ‘What is going through his mind and heart up there?’ Now I know. This book is as awe-inspiring as his accomplishments on the wire.”
—MILOŠ FORMAN

“Philippe Petit is an artist whose theater is the sky. In this absorbing book, he reveals himself to be equal parts Houdini, Nureyev, and da Vinci.”
—ROBIN WILLIAMS

“How good to remember that morning in 1974 when a young man gave New York a gift of astonishing, indelible beauty. How good that he has sat down now to give us this lively and often heart-stopping account of how he achieved his masterpiece.”
—PAUL AUSTER

“It was Philippe Petit who connected the twin towers of the World Trade Center, in an act of beauty and ecstasy. Now that an act of terror has destroyed them both, his book resurrects and reunites them, in sheer defiance of gravity.”
—WERNER HERZOG

About the Author

Philippe Petit is the world’s most famous high-wire performer, making more than eighty high-wire walks around the world. He also street-juggles, lectures, and practices close-up magic. He is the subject of the award-winning documentary film Man on Wire. When he’s not traveling, Philippe shares his time between The Cathedral St. John the Divine in New York City and a small hideaway in the Catskills.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005OR07I4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ North Point Press (September 4, 2002)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 4, 2002
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 249 ratings

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Philippe Petit

Philippe Petit

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
249 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an easy and compelling read with an intriguing writing style and clever details that captivate them. They describe the story as inspiring, compelling, and entertaining. The book has a fast-paced pacing that keeps readers hooked until the end.

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ReadabilityStory qualityWriting styleEntertainment valuePacing
13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as a must-read for all, a tender tribute to NYC's Twin Towers, and a quick read.

"Written staccato style this book is a speedy but engrossing read- It envelopes you in the anxiety and the secrecy and the almost insane necessity,..." Read more

"...This book is a must read for all the world and a tender tribute to NYC's Twin Towers." Read more

"...(The movie was stunning)...." Read more

"Magnificent. I read each page transfixed and have finished transformed. Read this. Now. Seriously...." Read more

12 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the story. They found it inspiring, compelling, and entertaining. The autobiography drew them into the author's true tale, making it unforgettable and amazing. Readers appreciated the gripping thriller yet written with an impressionistic style. Overall, they felt the book was life-changing and inspirational.

"...I found it to be a fascinating true story and it gave me an even better appreciation for the event than the movie did...." Read more

"...A really interesting book-and it answers a lot of questions, about the walker, and the technical aspects of how he did it." Read more

"...His writing style reflects his personality and draws the audience in to his true tale. It's an easy read and quite entertaining." Read more

"A wonderful autobiography of a truly remarkable person. Inspiring and entertaining." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it intriguing, with clever details that captivate readers. The book is an easy read and entertaining.

"Written staccato style this book is a speedy but engrossing read- It envelopes you in the anxiety and the secrecy and the almost insane necessity,..." Read more

"...His writing style reflects his personality and draws the audience in to his true tale. It's an easy read and quite entertaining." Read more

"...It was mischievous and audacious...." Read more

"Easy read and could not put it down till all was done - almost sad to have it over while I feel as though I have spent the weekend w a legend from..." Read more

7 customers mention "Entertainment value"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's entertainment value. They find it an easy read that is compelling, exciting, and inspiring. The book captivates audiences on paper and online.

"...Altogether a truly enjoyable and unforgettable book!" Read more

"Philippe Petit writes this story in an exciting, present-tense web of clever details woven to captivate his readers...." Read more

"...I'm fascinated by Petit's stunt on many levels. It was mischievous and audacious...." Read more

"...Inspiring and entertaining." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it an engaging, fast-paced read that keeps them hooked.

"...The book is fast- paced reading (hard to put down!) and explains a lot more about what went into the planning and preparation for the walk...." Read more

"Written staccato style this book is a speedy but engrossing read- It envelopes you in the anxiety and the secrecy and the almost insane necessity,..." Read more

"To Reach the Clouds was a fantastic, fast moving read that captivated me...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Flamingo Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable and amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    After seeing the movie "The Walk", I wanted to find out more details about Philippe Petit's walk between the Twin Towers. The book is fast- paced reading (hard to put down!) and explains a lot more about what went into the planning and preparation for the walk. I found it to be a fascinating true story and it gave me an even better appreciation for the event than the movie did. The photos in the book also added to my understanding of how amazing and dangerous Philippe's walk actually was. Altogether a truly enjoyable and unforgettable book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer nancy hendrie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Written staccato style this book is a speedy but engrossing ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Written staccato style this book is a speedy but engrossing read- It envelopes you in the anxiety and the secrecy and the almost insane necessity, as seen by the author Philippe Petit in his plan and execution of a high wire, unsecured, walk between the twin towers in New Your in 1974. A really interesting book-and it answers a lot of questions, about the walker, and the technical aspects of how he did it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Katinator224
    4.0 out of 5 stars Captivates Audiences on the Wire and on Paper
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Philippe Petit writes this story in an exciting, present-tense web of clever details woven to captivate his readers. His writing style reflects his personality and draws the audience in to his true tale. It's an easy read and quite entertaining.
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  • David Kadavy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dream big, start small
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    On the morning of August 7th, 1974, Philippe Petit walked on a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. People who were on their way to work watched as he spent forty minutes walking back and forth, and even lying down on the wire. Petit's performance brought wonder and joy to New Yorkers, and is credited with introducing the Twin Towers to the world. It's been called "the artistic crime of the century."

    This book is Petit's account of the entire project, from conception, to finish, to getting arrested, passing a psychiatric evaluation, and making good with law enforcement by giving a free performance for children in Central Park.

    I'm fascinated by Petit's stunt on many levels. It was mischievous and audacious. When I first learned of it while watching the documentary Man on Wire on Netflix, I spent the beginning of the film thinking This guy is a moron. I ended thinking This guy is genius. There's also something poetic about an artist turning this symbol of commerce into a playground – especially given the eventual fate of the towers.

    The main valuable lesson of Petit's feat is this: Have a big dream, but stick with small goals. Petit spent six years planning this coup. In the meantime, he and the team he assembled conducted hundreds of reconnoissance missions visiting the still-under-construction towers to collect details and plan. They built models and spoke to engineers. Petit did smaller stunts between towers of a cathedral in Paris, and between pylons of a bridge in Australia.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • benjamin bannister
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Insight Into "The Artistic Crime Of The Century"
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    There are few people who are standout characters in real life. The eccentric Frenchman, Philippe Petit, is one of them.

    From the moment you see him on video, you can tell there is something special about Philippe. I bought this book because I saw part of his life story in the documentary, Man on Wire, which was turned into the Robert Zemeckis film, The Walk (a must-see in 3D). The sheer force of his personality is probably what convinced his lover and friends to accomplish "the artistic crime of the century." An event of this degree isn't likely to happen again for a long time.

    This book is about that "crime"—walking between New York City's Twin Towers on a tightrope. Since I already saw the documentary and movie, this book felt like a rehash of the same events. The only difference is you get it straight from Philippe's head with his own words. To be honest, this whole event was so mind-boggling in that he actually accomplished it, that you have to read what he was thinking when he thought to do it.

    If you haven't seen the movie or documentary, give this book a read. Experiencing this event through the eyes of the larger than life Mr. Petit will be memorable. Recommended.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • David W. Willis, M.D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling! Exciting! And inspiring. Petit writes with beauty, passion and soul. I will always remember such artistry in word
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Easy read and could not put it down till all was done - almost sad to have it over while I feel as though I have spent the weekend w a legend from the heavens
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  • Austin Mama
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great autobiography
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2020
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    A wonderful autobiography of a truly remarkable person. Inspiring and entertaining.
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  • wayne buck
    5.0 out of 5 stars A most excellent walk
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Philippe Petit is an amazing writer. He has the ability to surround you in his activities and bring you in on the a glorious dare devil event. You feel in the thick of it. What an accomplishment his life has been. The only thing more exhilarating is watching the film, I had to hide my eyes many times when he walked the wire because of my fear of heights! This book is a must read for all the world and a tender tribute to NYC's Twin Towers.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • J. A. G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Spain on October 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I came across the movie by chance one Saturday night while changing channels. I loved it! I wanted to know more about the "le coup" and looked for the book in Amazon. Got it and the read was terrific. Written in a very direct way, pictures and extra material makes the read more vivid. I absolutely recommend it!
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  • N.S. Rajan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reach for the clouds; book
    Reviewed in India on May 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A wonderful experience reading this book. I had seen the movie: "The Walk", an almost fully faithful script from the book. Amazing ! Would highly recommend this to anyone.
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  • saka
    3.0 out of 5 stars saka
    Reviewed in Japan on November 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    BS放送で自叙伝的番組を観て、面白そうなので購入。でもあまり読み物として面白くない、やはり映像の方がすごいと思います。
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  • Hoopdriver
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Dizzying Achievement
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the film very much and when I learned Petit had written a book on which the film was based, I bought. Enjoyed that too. A remarkable story. I remember the event when it happened - some if the images of him out in the wire stuck with me for years - but I had no idea Petit had written a book about the walk. The book conveys his voice and passion really well. What I found particularly intriguing was his descriptions of going out in the wire, how his feet felt in the cable etc. It was oddly reassuring. Up until that section even the thought of going out on a cable like that, 1400 feet above the streets, was spine tinglingly scary. Readng his descriptions of placing his feet and the feel of the cable made me understand that for him - and only him - it was probably not all that dangerous. I have read snce where he says he never takes risks. I believe him.
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  • Christoph Stieg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leidenschaft zum nachempfinden - wer etwas wirklich will, erreicht es auch
    Reviewed in Germany on August 24, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    das ist ein Buch in dem die Leidenschaft eines Mannes, der ein Ziel hat, spürbar, lebhaft dokumentiert ist; besonders die kleinen Handzeichnungen und Zitate untermauern das.
    Ein großartiges Buch, um nachzuvollziehen, wie man mit einer Hand voll Freunden eine scheinbar unmögliche Herausforderung* schafft, um eine einfache** tun zu können und sich dann zufrieden lächelnd die Leidenschaft darin, erfüllt, dass man nach getaner Arbeit, nach dem fulminanten Höhepunkt in Handschellen abgeführt wird: "Ich hab's getan, DAS kann mir jetzt den Genuß nicht vermiesen. Erst recht nicht von einem Polizisten, der von dieser Art von Leidenschaft nur träumen kann."
    * Unmöglich: auf die Dächer beider Türme des NYC WTC zu klettern und ein Seil zu spannen, auf dem man Tanzen kann.
    ** Seiltanzen. Nur noch einer tanzt wie Philippe Petit - David Dimitri [...] - Congratulations!
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