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David Attenborough - Life on Air

Memoirs of a Broadcaster

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David Attenborough - Life on Air

By: David Attenborough
Narrated by: David Attenborough
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David Attenborough reads his own bestselling memoir

'An enthralling autobiography from one of the linchpins of television' Good Book Guide

David Attenborough is the acknowledged voice of nature, loved and revered worldwide for his groundbreaking wildlife documentaries. Over the course of his long BBC career, David has risen from trainee producer to award-winning film-maker, and in Life on Air, he tells the extraordinary stories of the people and animals he has met along the way.

We hear of his earliest days in television; his stint as Controller of BBC2, during which he introduced colour TV to Britain; and his encounters with luminaries such as Montgomery, Anthony Eden, Benjamin Britten and the Queen. Here, too, are tales of his travels to some of the most far-flung corners of the globe, including New Guinea, Borneo, Paraguay and the Australian outback, and the rare creatures he captures on film: from the exotic birds of paradise and the elusive Indri lemurs to the endangered Komodo dragon.

Featuring behind-the-scenes accounts of the making of his landmark natural history series, beginning with the pioneering Zoo Quest and concluding with Life in Cold Blood, this wonderful memoir - read by David Attenborough himself - recounts the highlights of a remarkable life in broadcasting.

Production credits
Read by David Attenborough

© 2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Biological Sciences Biology Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Science Inspiring Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

What shines through most of all is his enthusiasm
David Attenborough wears his achievements lightly and there as many laughs here as there are animals (Michael Palin)
All stars
Most relevant
I'm still only on the first section but this is brilliant. I'm very fussy about my audiobooks and if the voise of the narrator isn't pleasing to my ears then it's a major turn-off. Of course David Attenborough has a brilliant voice, so that coupled with his interesting lifestory makes this the perfact book for me. I'm listening to it while working in the office and it's a great background sound track. Well worth getting if you have enjoyed any of his TV or Radio shows

Brilliant! A must if you like Attenborough

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Just imagine, you come out of WW2 with no plans and are asked to run the new BBC channel BBC 2 where apparently you can do more or less as you like....you sponsor modern drama and spearhead a whole new genre of wildlife documentaries, you become a national treasure..... but apparently you stay relatively modest and keep your interest in life. I wish I could be so impressive at nearly 90.

Fascinating

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If, like me, you find Sir David's voice to be calming and soothing like the quintessential grandfather telling stories to his grandson, then you will find yourself perfectly at home on the knee of someone who is surely one of the greatest naturalists and broadcasters ever to grace us with their talents.

A wonderful array of stories, taken from years of incredible experiences and each one bursting with the passion and excitement borne from the true love of living creatures. All given context with the backdrop of a career in television which began with the foundation of BBC television as we know it, and following what is an enthralling and fulfilling story which leaves you wanting to travel and grab some of those special moments for yourself.

Could not recommend more highly, this is 20 hours you will consider well spent and very likely will wish to repeat.

If only Sir David could narrate every book I listen to...

20 hours of bliss

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There's something about David Attenborough's voice that draws you in; he could make anything sound exciting and marvellous, and you can still hear the excitement, awe and wonder than he must have felt when he embarked on the adventures he describes here for the first time. There is plenty of humour and insight and my walks became longer and longer so I could listen to more and more of his exploits.



Pure bliss.

Everything I'd Hoped For

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I found this audiobook not only funny and interesting, it was very informative in relation to how the BBC formed and matured. It was particularly nice to have it read by David himself.

Funny and Surprisingly Informative...

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