- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: BBC Books; New edition edition (4 Sep 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0563487801
- ISBN-13: 978-0563487807
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 160,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Sir David Attenborough is Britain's best-known natural history film-maker. His career as a naturalist and broadcaster has spanned nearly five decades and there are very few places on the globe that he has not visited. In this volume of memoirs David tells stories of the people and animals he has met and the places that he has visited. Sir David's first job - after Cambridge University and two years in the Royal Navy was at the London publishing house Hodder & Stoughton. Then in 1952 he joined the BBC as a trainee producer and it was while working on the Zoo Quest series (1954-64) that he had his first opportunity to undertake expeditions to remote parts of the globe to capture intimate footage of rare wildlife in its natural habitat. He was Controller of BBC2 (1965-68), during which time he introduced colour television to Britain, then Director of Programmes for the BBC (1969-1972). However in 1973 he abandoned administration altogether to return to documentary-making and writing. Over the last 25 years he has established himself as the World's leading Natural History programme maker with several landmark BBC series, including Life on Earth (1979), The Living Planet (1984), The Trials of Life (1990), The Private Life of Plants (1995) and Life of Birds (1998). Sir David is a Trustee of the British Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; an Honorary Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge; a Fellow of the Royal Society and was knighted in 1985.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 55 people found the following review helpful
There are essentially two sides to David Attenborough's autobiography. Firstly it is a superb collection of anecdotes concerning a career that saw the author trek across most of the globe to film some of the greatest natural history series ever produced, as well as work with all manner of people from animal collectors, to conservationists, to the queen. The juxtaposition chapters devoted to natural history, with those describing life at the BBC and David Attenborough's various duties, help keep the pages turning and add many wonderful comic moments, as well as giving a rare insight into the early days of the BBC.
The book is quite simply, a hugely enjoyable read, there are no prolonged accounts of rocky relationships, or attempts to qualify controversial decisions, as is the case in so many biographies. Travel and the production of quality wildlife programs, have been David Attenborough's goals, and their achievement has given him many wonderful experiences that he simply wants to share with his readers.
There is however, a second side to the book. Though David Attenborough's manner is gentle, jovial and indeed very humble, there are serious issues discussed in the book. Descriptions of cults that retaliate against, or subvert western intervention, as well as tales of meeting people from places such as the Falklands, are just a couple of examples where the reader is introduced to emotional situations. What is key is that David Attenborough tells events as he sees them, and clearly endeavours to give an open and fair account of peoples opinions.
The fact that David Attenborough was probably one of the last westerners to see many cultures almost untouched, or, equally, one of the first to see the results of western intervention, puts the book almost beyond value. The book is truly global in scope and offers a unique and inspiring view of the world as it was, and as it is.
The book is quite simply, a hugely enjoyable read, there are no prolonged accounts of rocky relationships, or attempts to qualify controversial decisions, as is the case in so many biographies. Travel and the production of quality wildlife programs, have been David Attenborough's goals, and their achievement has given him many wonderful experiences that he simply wants to share with his readers.
There is however, a second side to the book. Though David Attenborough's manner is gentle, jovial and indeed very humble, there are serious issues discussed in the book. Descriptions of cults that retaliate against, or subvert western intervention, as well as tales of meeting people from places such as the Falklands, are just a couple of examples where the reader is introduced to emotional situations. What is key is that David Attenborough tells events as he sees them, and clearly endeavours to give an open and fair account of peoples opinions.
The fact that David Attenborough was probably one of the last westerners to see many cultures almost untouched, or, equally, one of the first to see the results of western intervention, puts the book almost beyond value. The book is truly global in scope and offers a unique and inspiring view of the world as it was, and as it is.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
I have just read Life on Air, and I think I have developed more than a little crush on a man more than 40 years my senior... Until I saw the portrait-programme with Michael Palin, I never knew what charming and witty raconteur David Attenborough is. Being Norwegian I knew him only as an enthusiastic oddball from wildlife programmes, with wind in his hair and mud on his shirt.
This book is brimful not only of anecdotal charm and witty perceptions, but also offers interesting insights into the development of the BBC as an organisation, and of television broadcasting as a medium, with both technical and editorial challenges. I only wish he had chosen to tell more of his personal life, but as the title indicates, it focusses on the bit of his life that has been on air. Fair enough. Modest without being coy, he readily acknowledges the talents, skills and hard work of those around him, but is nevertheless beaming with pride over his own accomplishments as well. It's refreshing! The book is seeping with both boyish curiosity as well as respect and awe for his subjects, be they animal, mineral or vegetable. Or human, for that matter. But throughout it all, the most remarkable aspect of the book is the radiating narrator. Yes, I am infatuated. A truly, warmly, deeply recommended read!
This book is brimful not only of anecdotal charm and witty perceptions, but also offers interesting insights into the development of the BBC as an organisation, and of television broadcasting as a medium, with both technical and editorial challenges. I only wish he had chosen to tell more of his personal life, but as the title indicates, it focusses on the bit of his life that has been on air. Fair enough. Modest without being coy, he readily acknowledges the talents, skills and hard work of those around him, but is nevertheless beaming with pride over his own accomplishments as well. It's refreshing! The book is seeping with both boyish curiosity as well as respect and awe for his subjects, be they animal, mineral or vegetable. Or human, for that matter. But throughout it all, the most remarkable aspect of the book is the radiating narrator. Yes, I am infatuated. A truly, warmly, deeply recommended read!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
I was thrilled with this book, and find myself admiring David Attenborough and thoroughly envious of the way he has lived his life. A true inspiration. The book is written in the same engaging way that Sir David is famed for.
The insight into many of his projects and achievements gives a new perspective to some of his remarkable work, and you truly cannot believe the things he has lived through - what many of us can only dream of. I am a left with the sensation that I should stride out into the world and simply do what I love.
The insight into many of his projects and achievements gives a new perspective to some of his remarkable work, and you truly cannot believe the things he has lived through - what many of us can only dream of. I am a left with the sensation that I should stride out into the world and simply do what I love.
The book chronicles (in anecdotes, stories and thoughts) Sir David's career from beginning to present time, providing both insight into the broadcasting (TV) industry through time, as well as his many adventures with the natural world. His most famous and loved work is described in detail (for example, Life on Earth, The Living Planet) and you have to marvel at the memory of the man. I loved the two brief sections of priceless photographs of his experiences (wished there were more).
A positive, inspiring biography...if you have any inclinations to charge off exploring the world, this book will not persuade you otherwise!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Just as advertised
Many thanks, the product was exactly as described, a great read for the whole family. It arrived very promptly!! Great stuff
Published 4 months ago by Bsmith
What a life!
If you think Attenborough just presents wildlife programmes then read this, he has done so much I'm suprised it can fit in the book
Published 16 months ago by Quick reviews!
A Must read !!
A Complete adventure from start to finish. You feel like you are there with him throughout the adverutres he has had!
Published 20 months ago by Tony Morris
seems like one of the family
I am fascinated by the syndrome of certain characters who through the television become part of our lives that are almost indispensible. Read more
Published on 24 Nov 2009 by inch worm
Life On Air
Hard to think of somebody who more deserves the title 'Sir' than David Attenborough. Amongst my favourite television when I was a child were his then-almost ubiquitous... Read more
Published on 11 Oct 2009 by Nathan Fisher
vivid recollections
A very satisfying read, giving vivid and fascinating insight into the natural subjects,and their habitats, as expected, but also into the planning [sometimes complicated] of the... Read more
Published on 12 July 2009 by E. Ellard
This man is a legend!
I watch a lot of Natural history documentaries, especialy those presented by Sir David Attenborough and after Reading his book I have been looking at his documentaries a little... Read more
Published on 28 April 2009 by K. A. Varley
TV Discovery Book
This book gives an insider's view of the development of television. When Attenburgh joined the BBC, television was very much the poorer relative of radio. Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2009 by P. McCabe
Good Show
Sir David Attenborough has has a hugely successful life by any standards. He has produced pioneering television, achieved high office at the BBC, is recognised as highly... Read more
Published on 4 Sep 2008 by Rotgut
Inspirational
David Attenborough is one of my all time heroes, so how could I fail to enjoy it? He has lived the most exciting, extraordinary and amazing life, and done so many things that I... Read more
Published on 19 Jun 2008 by Sophie
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