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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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About this listen

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
Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Animals Entertainment & Celebrities Thought-Provoking

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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extraordinary career

from the birth of television and always remained at the very forefront of production. a legend.

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Wonderful

Both interesting and funny. Wonderful stories detailing the challenges and triumphs of documenting natural history through the decades. Loved this.

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David, enough said.

What did you like most about David Attenborough - Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster?

This was a great book about David's life with the BBC. It was great to hear it from David himself, showing the passion that he has in his TV shows across this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of David Attenborough - Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster?

I loved the early day travel stories and the little stories that came with those travels.

Have you listened to any of David Attenborough’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have listened to many, this was just as good as all the others.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

David Attenbourgh

Any additional comments?

Brilliant all round.

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Perfect account from the bro himself.

Brilliantly narrated and written piece of work from TVs greatest presenter and natural historian. A must listen for documentary and natural history fans.

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Life on air

5 stars it was amazing like really amazing I recommend this to people who like David and anyone really

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Loved the book!

David Attenborough is such an icon! He is an inspiration to all. Loved the book!

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What an adventure!

So great that this book was read by the great man himself, an amazing life, with such passion and commitment to his chosen art. I hoped it would go on forever.

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How could this not be amazing?

What a truely amazing life Sir David Attenborough has had so far. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t recognised his voice. I hope my children will continue to enjoy the amazing knowledge he has dedicated his life to sharing with us as much as I do. Thank you David.

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Fantastic

This brilliant book had me hooked until the end. What an amazing life and story. Humorous and engaging. I’m going to listen again and this time look up all of the plant and animal species as I go.

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The splendour of Earth

David Attenborough is a unique and gifted man who has given a remarkable gift to our age by bringing such understanding of the natural world to anyone who takes the time to view his extensive series of programs. This book is enchanting, entertaining and captivating and brings home the tireless energy put in by so many to make these films possible. Listening to David Attenborough’s voice is also marvellous!

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