"A hypnotic and inspiring tale of a man overcoming adversity."Publisher's Weekly
Two hundred miles through the mountains in five days, with almost no sleep: Italy's Tor des Geants is one of the world's hardest races. Why put yourself through it?
This compelling graphic novel illuminates both the appeal and the physical and psychological turmoil of running day and night for a week through some of the wildest terrain on earthand what universal lessons about life, suffering and love are learned along the way.
In The Last of the Giants, Sam Hill takes on Tor for a third timeafter failing, twice. Amid exhaustion, hallucinations, and unforgettable encounters both real and imagined, he pushes the limits of body and mind to discover more about himself and his place in the world.
Inspired by the real-life experience of American ultrarunner Doug Mayer, this graphic novel blends fiction and reality, delving into what it means to be human, ourneed for spiritual understanding, and our drive to explore our limits.
With a unique inverted format-read one way, then the other-thisimmersive story offers a fresh perspective on extreme sports and thesearch for something greater than ourselves. A gripping read for anyonepassionate about adventure and personal challenge.
About the Author :
Doug Mayer is an author, journalist, and founder of the trail running tour company, Run the Alps. He is a past producer for NPR, (National Public Radio). Based in Chamonix, France, he writes for a number of outdoors magazines and journals, including Outside. The Last of the GiantsHelvetiq and his first graphic novel.William Windrestin is an award-winning French filmmaker and illustrator.
Review :
"A hypnotic and inspiring tale of a man overcoming adversity." –Publisher's Weekly
“A surprising read that will appeal to anyone who loves an adventure.” –La Voix du Nord
"In this work, illustrations and words are so closely intertwined that they complement and illuminate the total experience." –American Trail Running Association
“Inspired by Doug Mayer's personal experience, this graphic novel explores our need for spiritual quests, and our desire to surpass ourselves.” –Jogging international
“A book that makes us question why we put ourselves through all this!" –Gilles Ratier, BD Zoom
“Illustrator William Windrestin succeeds with great finesse and inventiveness in bringing this race to life. He makes us feel the vertigo, the doubts, the pain, but also the strength of spirit of the runners and, above all, their humanity.” –Le Bateau Livre
"Between exhaustion, hallucinations, and memorable encounters with scientists, doctors, and even a Buddhist monk, this book explores the limits of the body, the mind... and the ego.” –1 2 3 Savoie
“The Last of the Giants explores the possibility of disassociating pain from suffering, of grappling with fears and demons—in short, of living a sensory and spiritual experience, similar to a psychedelic trip. There is catharsis, hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, rebirth, and ecstasy. Sam’s adventure, his journey to the end of himself and beyond, is more than convincing.” –Télérama magazine
“If you’re a trail junkie, parent, or just curious about human limits, grab this. It’s out now in English (and French), and it’ll leave you inspired. Doug Mayer’s nailed it again, turning Tor’s mythology into something profound and fun.” –Borderlands Trail Running
“The Last of the Giants is a stunningly beautiful book—both in how it is illustrated and how the story is told—a fascinating read and coffee table accoutrement that will continue to be appreciated years after you buy it.” –Six Minute Mile
“An extreme journey through the mountains of the Aosta Valley becomes an illustrated story that explores the limits of the human body and mind.” –ORX Experience Mag
"The Last of the Giants is a serious story about love in all its various forms. It's about goal setting and the power of a hard-fought-for achievement. It's about the seductive cost of failure, failing ourselves (all those demons!). It's about courage. Doug Mayer not only crossed the finish line, but he survived to write this book about the cost (body and mind) of this kind of personal victory. And that costly victory lives to inspire others. The words and the images here work together to produce something rare and fine." –Laura Waterman, author of Losing the Garden: A Story of a Marriage
"It’s a bold graphic novel that illuminates both the appeal and the physical and psychological turmoil of running day and night for a week through some of the wildest terrain in Europe–and what universal lessons about life, suffering, and love are learned along the way." –Ultrasignup
