Life On Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

This is a brilliant, insightful biography of one of the most recognised people in the UK. It focuses on his work life with only brief mentions of his home life but it made me aware that Attenborough was/is much more than a wildlife presenter. It covers right from before BBC2 was aired up until more modern series (not Planet Earth or Blue Planet or anything since then), but it discusses the different methods used to capture wildlife shots and some of the problems with this and how it has changed over a period of time. It is both humorous and sad in places but interesting and informative and a must read for anyone who has loved the wildlife series of Attenborough as I have.

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 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!

Having looked at a copy I gave to my brother and found it impossible to put down, I had to have a copy for myself. Although second hand the text and illustrations were there for me to enjoy. David has a knack of writing that is compelling, informative, funny and thoroughly enjoyable. Wonderful!

This audio form of Mr Attenbourough's book, Life on Air, is a treasure. For those who find reading difficult, for whatever reason, this spoken book is priceless. His storytelling is wonderful, throughout his sense of humour and insight pepper the book. I don't 'love' books, but I treasure this one, and have shared it with friends and family.Thank you Mr Attenborough.Christine

I've loved this book for years but had given my original copy away. Although it's out of print, I was able to buy a very good second-hand copy as a gift for one of the family – and it was such a clean copy I could almost (though I didn't) have passed it off as new.

David Attenborough is probably the person who I would most like to meet. He is a master of his craft within the oft-over rated world of the TV presenter, and has honed his gift over many years, starting as a dreaming idealist in the very early years of TV, when "Zoowatch", rather than "Eastenders" was compelling viewing. He also comes across as a thoroughly engaging, likeable, and, above all, enthusiastic man, one who actually lives for his work, and who desperately wants the rest of us to share in the wonders of the natural world."Life On Air" slickly takes us on a retrospective of Attenborough's career. Much of the book is taken up with those early days spent in TV, the trials and tribulations of travelling to far off, relatively unknown places, and getting co-operation from not only the animals he went to find, but the people in the countries involved-a TV camera was not the magnet for the bystander it is today.One of the most fascinating aspects of the book deals with Attenborough's time as head of BBC2. Little do we realise that it was during his time the revered programme "Match Of The Day" first came to our screens. He pioneered many new and startling, often original programmes, including "The Ascent Of Man" and "Civilisation", epics that will probably never be equalled. Interesting, to say the least, that he has been the inspiration behind programmes other than those who he himself developed and presented, amongst them, "The Secret Life Of Plants", rejected by companies in the US because plants were, well supposedly "boring"!Rumour has it that a series on insects is next on Attenboroughs list. It will be as popular as all of his prior programmes have been, most of which are dealt with in the book, including, of course, the seminal "Life On Earth". Take the time to read this book and be immersed with a master, a man who brings quercus robur and macroglossum stellatarum to our screens, and makes them as watchable-and more interesting-than any episode of "Pop Idol"

Prompt delivery and an excellent read. Well worth the money.

Brilliant bookLove this man, what a legend - need i say more

Worth

Incredible book about and by an incredible person!

David Attenborough is a master of the English language; it is an absolute pleasure to read as well as to listen to his book. He presents his life travelling the world for collecting and filming animals and plants with his typical humour. His private life is rarely mentioned, just some corner events like marriage, child birth, death of his beloved wife. It is, however, an excellent biography about the BBC from its low budget beginning to the point of today's multi-billion enterprise. His jocular way describing disappointing, difficult and possibly even dangerous situation might remind the reader of English understatement or - much better - serve as an attitude to be acquired. It was a delight for me to read the book, and I have recommended it several times to fellow biologists - all agreed: it's another David Attenborough masterpiece.

excellent

A brilliant book by a brilliant man. My brother actually went to the same school as the Attenborough brothers (although not at the same time!) The man has enthused so many and nutured a love of nature and the natural word. Read it and revel.