Sylvain Tesson Book order

"The Art of Patience sees the renowned French adventurer and writer Sylvain Tesson undertake an expedition to the mountains of Tibet in search of the famously elusive snow leopard. After the publication of The Consolations of the Forest (2014), Sylvain Tesson had a devastating climbing accident that broke far too many bones in his body. A year later, determined to walk himself back to health, he set off on the backroads of France from the Piedmont to Brittany. Then in 2018, in the footsteps of the admired American writer Peter Matthiessen, he undertook a far more ambitious, far more testing journey: to learn the art of patience, waiting for the snow leopard to appear no small challenge for a man who all his life has sought to beat time by outrunning it. In the company of leading wildlife photographer Vincent Munier and two companions, Tesson headed up to the high plateaux of remotest Tibet. There, at 5,000 metres and in temperatures of -25C, the team set up their hides on exposed mountainsides, and occasionally in the luxury of an icy cave, to await a visitation from the almost mythical beast. This tightly focused and tautly written narrative is simultaneously a dazzling account of an exacting journey, an apprenticeship in the art of patience, a meditation on what happens when time slows right down, an acceptance of the ruthlessness of the natural world and, finally, a plea for ecological sanity. It is also a small masterpiece"--Publisher's description

Embarking on an adventurous quest, the narrative follows a determined search for one of the planet's most elusive creatures. Through vivid landscapes and challenging encounters, the journey explores themes of discovery, the mysteries of nature, and the deep connection between humans and wildlife. The quest not only highlights the creature's rarity but also reflects on the broader implications of conservation and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

The narrative follows Tesson and his friends as they embark on an adventurous journey to retrace Napoleon's retreat from Russia, specifically the dramatic crossing of the River Berezina. Blending travel with historical insights, the book explores themes of camaraderie and the enduring impact of historical events, all while offering a lively and intellectual perspective on this monumental moment in history.

Sylvain Tesson, found a radical solution to his need for freedom, one as ancient as the experiences of the hermits of old Russia: he decided to lock himself alone in a cabin in the middle taiga, on the shores of Baikal, for six months. Noting carefully his impressions of the silence, Sylvain Tesson shares with us an extraordinary experience. 'Contagiously joyous and very funny.' Martin Hemmings, Sunday Times, Books of the Year 'Tesson lasted six months in the wilderness, a log cabin on the shores of Lake Baikal in Siberia . . . Why do it? To fulfil a dream of going to ground in a forest. To surround himself in silence. To escape ugliness, traffic and the telephone. To sample an existence reduced to bare essentials . . . the brainiest, daftest, sternest, funniest, most companionable hermit you'll ever meet.' Blake Morrison, Guardian 'An alternately rapt and sardonic diary of solitude, fortified by vodka and books.' Steven Poole, Guardian 'For anyone who secretly dreams of a life that's both simpler and more physically demanding, Tesson's descriptions of bruised-looking Siberian sunsets and Baikal in the rain are a draft of cool air . . . There's humour and humanity here, but also a serious attempt to answer the question, 'How should a person live?'.' Jessica Holland, Guardian 'An unapologetic heir to Henry Thoreau's Walden . . . Written with great charm and beauty, and humour.' Anthony Sattin, Sunday Times