From Boarding School to Everest: Harry Farthing's Extraordinary Journey

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Harry Farthing, author of two novels Summit and Ghost Moths, shares his extraordinary life journey from motorcycle enthusiast to high-altitude mountaineer to writer. His experiences—from boarding school at age eight to climbing Mount Everest and riding motorcycles across continents—have shaped his descriptive storytelling style that brings readers into vivid worlds informed by his adventures.

• Sent to boarding school at age eight where he developed independence and discovered National Geographic magazines
• Father's Brough Superior motorcycle (same brand owned by Lawrence of Arabia) inspired his love for motorcycles
• First major adventure at 18—a three-month solo motorcycle journey through Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Italy
• Lived in Italy and developed passion for mountaineering through a language exchange with an Italian climbing instructor
• Climbed many peaks including Denali and Mount Everest, drawn by both the physical challenge and historical significance
• Rode his motorcycle from Charleston across North America to Alaska, exploring the furthest reaches of the continent
• Novels draw from his experiences but are fictionalized to create more compelling storytelling
• Currently researching a non-fiction book about Lawrence of Arabia's later years
• Connects his family history to mountaineering—a distant ancestor photographed early British Everest expeditions
• Balanced adventure pursuits with family life throughout his career

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