The Third Man Factor tells the revealing story behind an extraordinary idea: that people at the very edge of death, often adventurers or explorers, experience a benevolent presence beside them who encourages them to make one final effort to survive.
If only a handful of people had ever experienced the Third Man, it might be dismissed as an unusual delusion shared by a few overstressed minds. But the amazing thing is this: over the years, the experience has occurred again and again, to mountaineers, divers, polar explorers, prisoners of war, solo sailors, aviators, astronauts and 9/11 survivors. All have escaped traumatic events only to tell strikingly similar stories of having experienced the close presence of a helper or guardian. The mysterious force has been explained as everything from hallucination to divine intervention. Recent neurological research suggests something else.
In The Third Man Factor John Geiger combines history, scientific analysis and great adventure stories to explain this secret to survival, a Third Man who — in the words of legendary Italian climber Reinhold Messner — ‘leads you out of the impossible.’
Author John Geiger has now, for the first time, collected these stories in a remarkable new book. Whatever the explanation for this mysterious phenomenon such 'third man' experiences seem to be an extrememly powerful force for survival when death seems imminent ... Some of the most amazing survival stories ever are told by John Geiger's 'The Third Man'.
Extraordinary ... compelling ... John Geiger's book combines history, scientific analysis and great adventure stories and produces much food for thought.
His study of the history of adventure, natural disaster and neurological theses provides some amazing insights into the psychology of man.
James Keating, Sunday Business PostCuriously gratifying.
Literary ReviewFounded on astonishing near-death tales ...The Third Man Factor is a more thoughtful investigation of a strange 'presence' felt by lonely explorers.
James McConnachie, Sunday TimesGeiger seeks the opinion of a range of neurological researchers, and sets out these expert opinions with zest ... There is interesting material here on the human organisms's capacity to endure.
Sara Wheeler, Literary ReviewGeiger recounts many, many tales of people who have found themselves in extreme situations, and felt a ghostly presence helping them. Almost without exception, they are exciting, edge-of-the-seat tales. Some of them might be familiar, which is no bad thing; it's like revisiting the greatest hits of exploration and daredevilry, but from a new angle ... These are ripping tales, and Geiger tells them well.
Melanie McGrath, Evening StandardA riveting read, while the astonishing photographic record ... will lift the hairs on the back of your neck. The book gives a horrifying picture of the last days of those hungry, half-crazed explorers.
Scotsman on FROZEN IN TIMEA remarkable piece of forensic deduction.
Margaret Atwood on FROZEN IN TIMEWhat lies beyond resourcefulness, endurance, and courage? To answer that question, John Geiger follows explorers, mountaineers, solo-sailors, and disaster survivors to the ends of the earth. The Third Man Factor is a prodigious synthesis -- elegant, entertaining, and important. If you enjoyed Frozen In Time, you'll love this book.
Ken McGoogan, Author of FATALWith an irresistible blend of harrowing anecdotes and hard science, John Geiger unravels the mystery of how the mind copes under extreme duress and in the process sheds fresh light on what it is to be human. A compelling, moving read.
Carl Honoré, Author of IN PRAIGeiger's account combines history, scientific analysis and true-life tales to haunting effect.
BooksellerI consider John Geiger a fellow writer of exploration literature.
William S. BurroughsWhat lies beyond resourcefulness, endurance, and courage? To answer that question, John Geiger follows explorers, mountaineers, solo-sailors, and disaster survivors to the ends of the earth. The Third Man Factor is a prodigious synthesis -- elegant, entertaining, and important. If you enjoyed Frozen In Time, you'll love this book.
Ken McGoogan, Author of FATAL PASSAGEWith an irresistible blend of harrowing anecdotes and hard science, John Geiger unravels the mystery of how the mind copes under extreme duress and in the process sheds fresh light on what it is to be human. A compelling, moving read.
Carl Honoré, Author of IN PRAISE OF SLOWNESS
