Details of Richard’s book revealed
We are thrilled to announce that Richard’s first book “Beyond the Horizon” will be published on 25th September 2014 by Sphere, an imprint of the Little, Brown Book Group.
Beyond the Horizon is the incredible story of one man's journey from International rugby player to world record-breaking extreme adventurer.
Richard Parks has one of contemporary sport's most extraordinary and inspirational stories. Soon after he turned thirty, the professional career in rugby that had been his life for over a decade was cut short by injury, leaving him faced with an uncertain future. But unlike many other young athletes, Richard decided to tackle his fears, anxiety and depression head on, taking inspiration from Sir Ranulph Fiennes and a line from his grandmother's eulogy - "The horizon is only the limit of our sight“- and setting out on challenges that have become part of his everyday life.
Richard created history with his first endeavour, the 737 Challenge, by becoming the first person to conquer the highest mountain on each of the world's seven continents and stand on all 3 poles (North Pole, South Pole and summit of Everest) within seven months. Then in 2013 he tackled three hugely challenging events - an ultramarathon through the Peruvian jungle, the world's highest mountain bike race, and a double iron man triathlon in Snowdonia - in preparation for an even more extraordinary challenge: to record the fastest solo, unsupported and unassisted journey to the South Pole in history. These three challenges and the Antarctic speed record quest that saw Richard ski 11 hours a day enduring brutal conditions, broken skis and spending Christmas and New Year alone on the ice, were all filmed for a major four-part series to be broadcast on Channel 5 later this year.
Beyond the Horizon is an amazing, inspiring, funny, sad and honest account, offering a rare glimpse into Richard’s private life and telling the full story behind his well-publicised journey.
Richard’s fans have been waiting for some time to read his remarkable story, which covers his forced retirement from rugby and the ups and downs of the 737 Challenge, many of which have not been revealed until now, whilst more recent followers will not only learn about his 737 Challenge journey, they will see the book culminate in Richard becoming the fastest Brit in history to ski solo and unsupported from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.
Richard stated; “It’s such a huge privilege to have the opportunity to share my personal story and experiences in my first book. It was difficult at first to open myself up, however it’s been so much fun reliving and reflecting on the whirlwind last four years. It was reading a book that was part of the catalyst to this chapter of my life, so even if just one person has the same experience reading my book, it will be awesome. I am really proud of Beyond the Horizon and I really hope everyone enjoys reading my story.”
Publishing Director for Sphere non-fiction at Little, Brown Book Group, Adam Strange added; “The team here is absolutely delighted to be working with Richard – his story is fascinating, dramatic and inspiring in equal measure and I’m tremendously excited about bringing it to as many readers as possible. It’s rare to find an author in this genre who manages to balance the drive and determination that are required for extreme feats of athleticism and endurance with an equal measure of humility and candour, so the fact that Richard is so down to earth already sets him apart from the rest of the field.”
Editorial notes
Born in 1977, Richard Parks is a former Welsh international rugby player turned extreme environment athlete and adventurer. When he's not travelling, he divides his time between Cardiff, Yorkshire and London.
The Little, Brown Book Group was recently crowned Publisher of the Year at the 2014 Bookseller Industry Awards. Little, Brown Book Group has a proven history of success, and a track record for delivering bestsellers across the full range of their publishing.
For further information on Beyond the Horizon, or to arrange an interview please contact Victoria Gilder on 0207 911 8056 / victoria.gilder@littlebrown.co.uk
