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  • David Attenborough - Life on Air

  • Memoirs of a Broadcaster
  • By: David Attenborough
  • Narrated by: David Attenborough
  • Length: 19 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (3,022 ratings)

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David Attenborough - Life on Air

By: David Attenborough
Narrated by: David Attenborough
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Summary

David Attenborough reads his own bestselling memoir

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
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about David Attenborough - Life on Air

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

I wasn't sure what to expect from David Attenboroughs' memoirs, however, I've always found him easy to listen to, so I thought I'd give this book a try.

From the early days of the BBC struggling with poor equipment, the difficulties of travel without any 'how to guides', he describes his attempts to display the natural world to everyone via the media of television. His passion for his subject and his determination to make his films as realistic as possible, make this a fascinating listen.

Hearing of the trials and tribulations behind some very short and seemingly simple film shots, that I still remember brings a new appreciation for the work of a master. I found it intriguing, listening as he describes with mounting excitement, the successful filming of some of his more unexpected successes. It made me feel as though I was with him sharing each experience.

Whether you are a fan of the natural world or not, I can't see how anyone could fail to love this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well read and fascinating, but a bit too rambling

I really enjoyed this book, and no one can beat David Attenborough's voice reading his own words. He really has led the most extraordinary life, travelling the globe and running the full gamut of human attitudes to wild animals over the last 60 odd years.
My only criticism is that the book is extremely long, and there were plenty of rambling bits about politics at the BBC which I could have done without. I'm sure others would find them more interesting, but I really wanted to hear all about his expeditions and the people and animals he met.
There are definitely some stand out moments in this book which I will remember for a long time, and the account of his wife's death is incredibly moving.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this insight into the mind and work of an extraordinary broadcaster and I thank him wholeheartedly for all the joy and wonder he has brought into my life, both as presenter and producer. A true national treasure.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What better than listening to David Attenborough?

What better way to enjoy this autobiography than listening to David Attenborough tell it himself.

Funny and thoughtful this is a really interesting insight into the natural world and the extremely fascinating life of the best loved natural world presenters!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such stuff is rare indeed

The voice, the humour, the intelligence, the humanity, the clarity, the deeply felt empathy for all that lives are what makes this book a masterpiece.
David Attenborough has been in my life since I first started watching television as a child, back in the 50s; then, as now, anything that has his stamp on it is irresistible to me. I well remember the grainy black and white films he speaks of at the outset of his marvellous career and their impact on me then lives on in every programme he has produced since.
This book documents the evolution of natural history documentaries, as well as the evolution of a brilliant and inspiring broadcaster.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Held my attention fully all through

This is a great read and interesting in all chapters,good read.would thoroughly reccommend excellent

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Love Sir David. This story of his memories was entertaining and sad due to his wife passing away. It felt like he was in the room with me. A beautiful man who knows so much about the natural world . Such a genuine man. Must listen to it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Mr Attenborough

I have always loved David Attenborough's telly programmes as I am interested in the natural world. Listening brings another dimension and your imagination supplies the pictures as his brilliant descriptions deftly bring the scenes to life. Funny and informative and we are all so glad he didn't stay in his first job but went on to make such a great contribution to television and the well being of the planet. Thoroughly absorbing and a joy to listen to.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wish he was grandad to my children!

The book is brilliant, being read by Sir David made it so much more special. I did get quite emotional when he spoke about his wife.
Get it, you will not regret it, he has a wealth of dits to tell, he relives them doing the characters accents and idiosyncracies to a tea. He would be a very entertaining guest to have round a table with food and wine!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional telling of an exceptional man's life

This man has had a huge impact on my life. Loved this book! He is a national treasure who imitated by many, although never surpassed.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fantastic journey of nature and globalization

Humorous story great storyteller. Have once more the power to captivate. This is the book of the professional life of an apparently ever curious man.

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