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Nathan Gray - First Pass Under Heaven

The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure ever built, stretching for over 4,000 kilometres from central Asia, across the Gobi Desert, through the remote, cold mountains of northern China to end on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Nathan Gray, a young New Zealand lawyer, wanted to be one of the first Westerners in history to walk and document the entire length of the Great Wall...

First Pass Under Heaven, Nathan's account of his epic journey, has sold over 15,000 copies and was Penguin's top travel book from 2006-2009. A photographic and audio-visual supplement is also available on DVD if you want to fully experience what it is like to trek the length of the Great Wall, and gain further insight into China's profound history and dramatic economic rise.

Read CV (PDF)

Read the opening chapter now

If you would like a preview download the opening chapter here (PDF).

The Great Wall DVD

A fantastic accompaniment to First Pass Under Heaven, the audio-visual supplement brings the spectacular desert and mountain vistas to life, showing some epic scenes that create a real sense of being there every step along the way. This motivational DVD is already out there, inspiring and educating schools and businesses throughout the world. You can preview (1.5 Mb.) the DVD or you can purchase it (using Paypal) online. For every ten books purchased by a school, a free DVD educational resource package will be enclosed. Please contact the author direct for bulk orders at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com.

How to purchase the book?

Online Order in New Zealand
The book is also available in stores nationwide and is a New Zealand best seller. If you want a personally signed copy - email Nathan at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com

All international readers can order the book on Amazon by clicking on the link to the relevant country below:

Australia (Dymocks) - also in Angus and Roberts and Borders
South Africa (Kalahari)
USA (Amazon)
Canada (Amazon)
France (Amazon)
Germany (Amazon)
United Kingdom (Amazon)
Austria (Amazon)
Japan (Amazon)
Taiwan (www.books.com.tw)
Netherlands (www.nnbh.com)
Estonia (www.raamat.ee)
Italy (www.internetbookshop.it)
Amazon China - just recently added!

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Nathan's second book: THE AGE OF FIRE has just been released. Click here to read the blurb and secure yourself a copy!

Motivational Speeches

Nathan has made over 100 speeches throughout New Zealand, Australia, UK, South Africa, USA and China. For corporate and educational institutions interested in motivational talks please contact Nathan Gray directly for an introductory package: nathanspictorials@yahoo.com.

Recent Publications - Global Marketing Guide

Want to find out how to publish and globally market your own book then purchase: my Marketing Guide for Writers online. Nathan is also available to edit and market new books wanting to get good coverage in New Zealand and international markets. For further information please download Nathan's CV.

Translation, serial and movie option rights

For translation, serial and the optioning of movie rights please get in touch with the author direct at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com .

Recent Photo Galleries

Nathan has travelled throughout the world exploring the social intricacies of over 65 countries. Below are some of his more recent photographic galleries: Please feel free to peruse the websites below...

Nathan's Historic Trek along the length of the Great Wall of China Photos.

For shots of New Zealand's West Coast and Glaciers 2011: click here.

For South Island shots including Nelson, Picton, Westport and Abel Tasman 2011:

For South Island shots including Haast Pass, Queenstown and the Greenstone Trail 2011:

For South Island shots including the West Coast around Punakaiki 2011:

For Stewart Island and shots of the Catlins 2011:

For photos of a recent journey through Ko Phi Phi; Thailand 2011:

For photos of Krabi, Railay and Ao Nang; Thailand 2011:

For photos of Shenzhen and Yangshuo, China 2011:

For photos of Macau, Yangshuo and Guilin 2011:

For shots of Malaysia 2011 - Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Kapas and the Pehrentian Islands.

For shots of Penang and the majestic island of Langkawi in Malayasia 2011.

For New Zealand Photos including Milford, the Kepler Trail and Wellington 2010: click here.

For shots from the FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa 2010: click here.

For shots of the Sharks Rugby Team, the Drakensberg, and Cape Point 2010: click here.

For shots of Cape Town, Colourful Wild Flowers and Table Mountain 2010: click here.

For images taken from Hong Kong, Philippines and South China in 2009 see: recent travels.

For top New Zealand North Island scenery and the Seal Coast Safari 2009 click on: recent travels.

For shots of the Beijing Olympics and the China Solar Eclipse 2008: click here.

For shots from Tapuae e Uenuku, Australia, the UK and Europe 2007-8: click here

For shots of the Dragon's Teeth Hike - Kahurangi National Park 2006: click here.

For all Photos from 2000 - 2005 including hunting the Midnight Sun in Norway and Alaska, and seeking Ancient Secrets in India and the Middle East. Please Click on Here:

Recent Media

Click on the following link for Nathan's latest Internet interview from Sydney in March 2011.

Nathan was also involved in the Leader's Call To Adventure Tele-summit. Click here to learn more about his talk to Canadian Host Lori Ference: http://www.leaderscalltoadventure.com/speakers.html

For recent shots of the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.