A Survival Guide for Life About the Author Bear Grylls' prime-time TV adventure series are some of the most watched shows on the planet, reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers in over 200 countries. Bear has authored twelve books, including the international bestseller Mud, Sweat and Tears, which has been translated into thirteen languages and was voted the most influential book in China in 2012. He originally served as a Trooper with 21 SAS, as part of the UK Reserve Special Forces and subsequently led many record-breaking expeditions to the world's extremes, raising millions of pounds for children's charities. In recognition of this Bear was made an honorary Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy as well as a Colonel in the elite Royal Marines Commandos. In 2009, Bear took over as the youngest ever Chief Scout to the Scouting Association, acting as a figurehead to 30 million Scouts around the globe. He lives with his wife, Shara and their three sons, Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry, on a Dutch barge in London and on a small remote island off the coast of Wales.