- Paperback: 672 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; New Ed edition (20 Mar 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006387306
- ISBN-13: 978-0006387305
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 4.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
251,616 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #17 in Books > Science & Nature > Nature > Zoos & Wildlife Parks
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Product Description
Product Description
The authorised biography of the great naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell, who died aged seventy in January 1995 in Jersey, where he founded the zoo he’d dreamed of as a small boy and pioneered the captive breeding of animals for conservation.
Gerald Durrell was a world-famous naturalist and popular author who wrote, in all, some thirty-seven immensely readable yarns, including the bestselling ‘My Family and Other Animals’. His other books include ‘Birds, Beasts and Relatives’, ‘The Bafut Beagles’ and ‘A Zoo in My Luggage’.
Above all, he paved the way in print for the popular presentation of the natural world on television and presented twelve series himself – the early ones, of his own expeditions. Sir David Attenborough has said: ‘He was responsible for changing people’s attitudes to zoology and changing their agenda. He showed them small animals could be as interesting as apes and elephants…He was a pioneer with a marvellous sense of humour.’
His brother was the famous writer Lawrence Durrell.
From the Back Cover
When Gerald Durrell died in 1995, at the age of seventy, he left behind an extraordinary legacy. As a pioneer animal conservationist, television personality and much-loved writer who inspired generations of readers with books like 'My Family and Other Animals', 'The Bafut Beagles', 'A Zoo in My Luggage' and 'The Amateur Naturalist', he packed a dozen lives into a single lifetime. A charismatic, passionate and above all dedicated to his crusade on behalf of animals and endangered species, he was founder of the world's leading zoos and of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, now renamed the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in his honour.
"Douglas Botting is to be congratulated on 'Gerald Durrell'. He has done a magnificent job in telling the complex story of a complex person, wrinkles and all."
DAVID BELLAMY 'Literary Review'
"Douglas Botting's biography is as large in spirit as the subject himself and opens the mind to many crucial concerns."
DAVID HUGHES, 'Sunday telegraph'
"A monumental biography … Douglas Botting is sympathetic, perfectly qualified. His book does Durrell's memory as much justice as the Jersey sanctuary where his ideals live on."
ANTHONY HOLDEN, 'Sunday Express'
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
This book captures the essence of Gerald Durrell. He was a passionate conservationist and writer, founder of Jersey Zoo, and had a wicked sense of humour. The public Durrell was enthusiastic and an inspiration to many, behind the scenes there were flaws, but these are sensitively presented by Douglas Botting. The author only met Gerald Durrell once, but was given access to private papers, letters and other unpublished material. Through Gerry's own writing, and comment from members of the famous 'My Family', as well as from his first wife Jacquie, second wife Lee, and colleagues and friends, we learn more of Gerry's childhood, his romantic liaisons, and passion for alcohol (just like the Fon of Bafut who Gerry made famous in his books about animal collecting in Cameroon). Gerry's own words speak out from this biography, with many quotes, and Durrell fans will enjoy revisiting his colourful descriptions of expeditions around the globe. This biography proves Gerry Durrell was larger than life, but there was a personal price to pay. The book clearly talks about the more problematic times in Gerry's life, but we are still left with a sense of wonder at the man and admiration for all he achieved.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
I've been a lifelong fan of Gerald Durrell and his tireless works, both as a naturalist and as an author. I was greatly saddened by his death, and it is perhaps a loss that many others have felt.That this biography has been allowed access to personal memoirs, and drafts of his never-written autobiography, reflects a side of Durrell never seen in the slightly hazy good-natured narcisstic reflection that is his style of autobiography, or in his media appearances. In many cases, a 'truthful' biography lessens the opinion of the subject - often a shining reputation is tarnished as skeletons are found in well hidden closets. In this case, for me at least, my opinion - and understanding - of him has increased, for as well as the adventurer and animal lover, one finally sees Durrell the human-being.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
I enjoyed the humour which showed through in the extracts of the personal letters written by Durrell even in times of severe adversity - a lesser man would have given up his ambitions in early life.
It was also great to see how one man could influence so many old fashioned attitudes in the 'Victorian' zoos around the world.
The sad ending to Durrell's life made me draw comparisons with John Aspinall who also suffered in later life, but likewise achieved great things for conservation without any formal zoology training.
A very moving story.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not so authorized
Yes, a biography it might be, but authorized? The writer didn't know Gerald Durrell, and even failed to meet him (because Gerald was already in the hospital). Read more
Published 22 months ago by Golovanov Alexey
A Really Inspirational Book To Read
This Authorised Biography shows the sides of Gerald we don,t usually see- a real insight into the man himself his life and his love's (His Animals) it is a Brilliant Book
Published on 5 Jun 2000 by frenchalison@hotmail.com
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