Frances Ashcroft: Life at the Extremes

(HarperCollins $59.95)

Review: Gilbert Wong

Humanity survives in a thin strata of the planet and its atmosphere.

If a 747 jumbo-jet cabin suddenly depressurised at cruising altitude of 10,000m, and no oxygen masks dropped down, the passengers would all collapse from lack of oxygen.

Yet this is only 2000m higher than Hillary and Tenzing climbed on Mt Everest, and other climbers have managed without oxygen tanks.

Double the distance again into the upper atmosphere, and human blood would boil.

Ashcroft's subject is the tenuous hold most of us have and the way a few individuals with training and the right physiology can surpass the limits the rest of us have.

An engaging read though not recommended for those planning air travel.