Description
Book SynopsisDuncan's curiosity has got him into a lot of tight spots-quite literally! As a teenager, Duncan really wanted to be an astronaut but took to the exploration of inner space instead. Only a dozen men might have stood on the moon but Duncan has squeezed into many places that no-one has ever been before, and some places that no-one is ever likely to go again (probably for a very good reason). These memoirs recount the author's misadventures during his thirty-year involvement with caving and cave diving beginning with student antics in the caves of the Mendip Hills in England to a hair-raising escape from deep beneath an English stately home. Along the way we are treated to the ups and downs of subterranean enterprise-from the joys of discovering new caves to the sadness of losing close friends. Duncan tells his tales with characteristic candour, often making light of difficult situations: rock falls, serious illness and an embarrassing incident with a tick. There are tears and laughter, often at the same time: who else would perform an animal impression with a suspected metatarsal fracture? We dive beneath Welsh Valleys, Yorkshire Dales and the Blue Ridge Mountains, encounter sharks, unexploded bombs and secret nuclear research facilities. Technical concepts and jargon are explained clearly and concisely, allowing the reader to follow Duncan into the depths. These stories are a treat for anyone interested in exploration, above or below ground, over or underwater. People often tell Duncan that he must be 'mad' to go cave diving-read this and judge for yourself...
Trade Review'...a welcome addition to the small number of well-written cavers' memoirs in English... ...there are flashes of understated humor or drama'. NSS News -------------------- '...this book is a collection of those tales - some funny, some sad - but all of them incredible. A great read and a book I have gone back to again and again - highly recommended'. Scottish Diver -------------------- '...recounts his 30-plus years exploring places a few of us will dare to go. ...read Duncan's book: there are a staggering number of caverns, caves and systems lurking beneath our beautiful countryside. ...a substantive piece of work written in an accessible way. It oozes with passion for a sport that is mysterious and largely ignored by the public, business and mainstream media. Duncan Price's book shines on some much-needed light on his underground world'. British Diver -------------------- '...Duncan Price is clearly addicted to his chosen pursuit, there is also something addictive about his book - and it creeps up on you. The book is nicely written... There are episodes that make you laugh aloud...' Diver -------------------- '...a hugely entertaining account of his life. Caver-autobiographies are rare...yet are so entertaining when written by someone who has done so much. Underwater Potholer: thoroughly recommended'. Descent
