Life on Air [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

I have watched David Attenboroughs TV documentaries for years and have consistently found them to be unrivalled in their ability to bring the subject matter to life in a way no other presenter can. This book maintains that tradition. As you read the book you travel with the author and what a trip it is. He is an immensely likable person who has led a fascinating life. The book is also well constructed, highly readable and offers a host of insights into both the author and the natural world. I would strongly recommend it to you.

I love this book. As a kid I used to sit glued to the TV watching Attenborough's programmes, such as the series 'Life on Earth' and countless others, bringing exotic places and the wonders of natural world into our living rooms. This book is an autobiography focused on David Attenborough's long and unparalleled BBC career starting from the birth of the TV medium in the 40's and 50's up untill today. What shines through in this book is vintage Attenborough: A true passion for his vocation, and an indefatigable desire to bring the most fascinating aspects of natural history to our TV screens. In a time when a lot of TV is hopelessly pre-digested and bland, Attenborough stands out more than ever, and so does this book. Read it an enjoy.

Sir David Attenborough is one of the true British greats. His voice is known worldwide and his vast array of work, including many memorable wildlife documentaries, have long since cemented his place as one of the finest presenters. An amusing but modest man, Attenborough kindly shared an autobiography of his life ten years ago. Although I knew a lot about him I was soon to find this book had a lot more to say about David's story.

Attenborough's autobiography covers more than 50 years of his time spent with the BBC. Having been rejected for a place on BBC radio, David's CV was picked up and he was offered a chance to move into fledgling television, which was in a very primitive state in those days, especially with the cameras and the ability to film scenes. Most homes didn't even have a television! Attenborough began his career in 1950 and by 1952 had a full-time position with the BBC, though he was not considered camera friendly due to his teeth! David began very much behind the scenes but as the autobiography progresses he begins a path towards documentaries that would see both his face and voice become known across the globe and propel him to his position today as one of Britain's national treasures.

The first point about the autobiography is Attenborough's excellent memory and sense of humour. He can recount so many moments, conversations in his long career, it is startling. It's hard to believe Attenborough was pushed more towards production than presenting. He focussed on non-fiction programmes and worked on the likes of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral? His affiliation with natural history began with zoo animals that were brought into a studio. This led to Zoo Quest (1954-63), a programme heading out into the wild to collect specimens to be broadcast live in the studio. Ironically, Attenborough had to present the first programme when his colleague Jack Lester fell ill. By the sixties, Attenborough was a controller on BBC2 but negotiated a contract that allowed him to still make programmes throughout the world. It was clear the wild was in Attenborough's blood and you will shudder when he describes the threat of an admin position at the BBC. After all, the BBC didn't imagine he'd want to be travelling the world in his fifties or sixties! As we all know, Attenborough is still doing this work in his eighties!

The highlight of the book is undoubtedly Attenborough's work on the epic Life series. This nine-part series is Attenborough's masterpiece, beginning with Life on Earth (1979) and ending with Life in Cold Blood (2008). Not only did he present these programmes, Attenborough wrote and pitched the ideas to the BBC and sometimes had to tussle over the titles, especially Life in the Undergrowth (2005), which was initially rejected due to connotations of darkness! Attenborough won this exchange when no one could think of a better title! The autobiography never dwells for long on moments, giving us as much of Attenborough's life as possible. His modesty is amazing. He is surprisingly humble about the iconic footage of the mountain gorillas that climbed all over him and casually describes the many parts of the world and conditions he has encountered such as volcanic mountains, dense jungle and torrential downpours. I couldn't help but laugh at suggestions from some of the audience that the BBC were being evil for still sending a man around the world at his age!

If there are any issues with Life on Air, it's that it's too short. As I read of Attenborough's early career I was glancing at the page numbers and thinking there isn't much room to talk about the Life series and Wildlife on One here! That said, I think the brevity of the events works better and what Attenborough has managed to cram into this book is a fascinating career. The book is accompanied by a series of amazing images and the author's passion for both his work and for the developing technology is wonderful to read.

Life on Air is a great read about a remarkable man whose work will remain timeless. Now in his eighties, it's hard to imagine natural history documentaries without David Attenborough's presence. Given the globetrotting he still does to this day, I'm convinced David Attenborough will live forever. This is a delightful read.