Chasing the Wind: The Autobiography of Steve Fossett [Hardcover]

Steve Fossett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2010

As a world record holder in ballooning, speed sailing, and aviation, Steve Fossett was the pinnacle of extreme sporting achievements. His adventurous spirit continually inspired his fellow competitors and sports aficionados, and attracted the curiosity of the world. In 2005, Fossett made the first solo, non-stop, non-refueled circumnavigation of the world at the helm of what has been described as "a fuel tank with room for one"—the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer. But what made someone like Steve give up a secure, well-paid job in the financial sector for the romantic, yet increasingly dangerous, world of the adventurer? He achieved the first balloon crossings of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America; the first ocean crossings of the South Atlantic, South Pacific, and Indian Oceans; and the first solo balloon flight round the world—a milestone in aviation history. And he didn't just take on the air. The most-successful speed sailor in the history of sailing, he also completed premier endurance sports events, including the Iditarod and Ironman Triathlon. In this dynamic autobiography, Steve Fossett shared his inspirational stories and candidly recounted the milestones, challenges, and victories that made up his much-heralded career and paved the path to his numerous world records.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘The greatest adventurer alive.’ - Sir Richard Branson

About the Author

Steve Fossett (1944-2007) was the pilot of the Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer. Will Hasley is a movie and TV scriptwriter and an author. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Books (March 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852272341
• ISBN-13: 978-1852272340
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.1 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #909,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring and adventure filled biography!, December 20, 2007

By 

M. Bell (Tampa, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chasing the Wind: The Autobiography of Steve Fossett (Hardcover)

Before his disappearance on 9/4/07 Steve Fossett was a world class adventurer. He's the holder of some 115 world records & many "firsts" in aviation, sailing, and last but not least ballooning. This book takes the reader through the various phases of each major feat the highlight of which is his solo circumnavigation of the globe in a balloon after six attempts. It does become a little bit belabored, but since it's such a unique account of some truly extraordinary feats you can forgive him for some of the "flexing" he does throughout. The actual biographical info on his life is somewhat scant focusing more on his many adventures. It's clear though after reading this that he never did any of this stuff for the publicity. He really wanted to challenge himself and raise the bar for others. You come away from this biography of a hyper-motivated adventurer & successful businessman feeling anything is possible with the right amount of effort and persistance. Perhaps besides his many records that's the real legacy left to the world by Steve Fosset. It's not necessarily what he accomplished so much as what it represents!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chasing His Dreams, January 3, 2007

By 

Withia Ou "early bird" (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chasing the Wind: The Autobiography of Steve Fossett (Hardcover)

"Chasing The Wind" is an amazing autobiography. One of the most heart pounding Adventure / True Story ever told in our modern era. By Chasing the Wind, Steve Fossett is chasing his dreams, The Records Book :"Round the World" in flying, sailing and ballooning. Those thought we can only dare to dream...As he's living it passionately. This is like Jules Verne meeting with Jonathan Livingston the Seagull ( by Richard Bach ).

To do so, not only Steve have to overcome many fears, many obstacles ; He also has to overcome the fierce force of nature. He did all that by digging deep inside in a very human & spiritual way : methodical & knowledges, preparation & perseverance, Leadership & Team Works ; For Him, there's no barrier of self-limitation in any how, only with a much calculate risks & learning from his mistake and from others expertises.

He's not fighting against the nature, but working with it. The nature became his allies not enemies. He's doesn't see obstacles, but challenges. And that is very inspiring. Steve Fossett is our modern hero. He has raising the bar of human capacity, endurance & endearing dreams. And he's the only who can jump over it.

Highly recommend this book. There are somes humorous passages that will make you feel like you were in the back seat. So enjoy the ride of a life time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chasing the Wind, January 15, 2007

By 

William Hasley "book lover" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chasing the Wind: The Autobiography of Steve Fossett (Hardcover)

This is a fantastic read for all age levels. I couldn't put the book down and I really got the feeling that I was along for the ride in all of Steve's adventures. He's the greatest adventurous alive today. I especially liked that you got to know all about Steve's life and that gave me a feeling about the man before I started reading about his exciting and dangerous adventures. I can't believe he swam the English Chanel at 45. That's amazing! I think this book could make several movies. It needs to be in all libraries across the nation to inspire children and adults to seek their dreams and believe that anything is possible. It's a great read.