Description
Book SynopsisFor fifty years David Attenborough has entertained, educated, and generally enchanted millions worldwide with his pursuit of the secrets of life in its many guises. This book begins when, at twenty-four, Attenborough throws over what looks to be a staid future as a 'gentleman publisher' for an uncertain position in the BBC's television service.
Trade Review"Life on Air, David Attenborough's professional autobiography, tells the entertaining story of how he turned us all into armchair experts in natural history."--Douglas Palmer, New Scientist "[An] engaging and often amusing text."--Choice "The boyish enthusiasm of the young Leicestershire schoolboy who had his own museum, and collected fossils, butterflies, skulls, and eggs, remains with Attenborough today after 50 years of experience with the media."--Sir Ghilean Prance, Times Higher Education Supplement "Lively and witty accounts of expeditions and television politics make the book and adventure in itself... Life on Air is another Attenborough production you will thoroughly enjoy."--Wildlife Activist
Table of Contents1. Joining Auntie 9 2. Zoo Quest 31 3. Guiana 47 4. Infant Empires 59 5. Dragons 64 6. A Plunge into Politics 81 7. New Guinea 87 8. Paraguay 105 9. Solving Sound 120 10. A Quest for Custom 124 11. Radio Excursions 143 12. Lions and Lemurs 148 13. The Top End of Australia 167 14. Casting Around 185 15. A New Network 198 16. Exotic Interludes 218 17. The Threat of the Desk 232 18. Back to the Jungle 242 19. The Tribal Eye 255 20. Life on Earth 279 21. The Living Planet 294 22. Extra Duties 313 23. Vanished Lives 326 24. The Trials of Life 344 25. The Private Life of Plants 359 26. The Lure of Birds 372 27. Conclusions 375 Index
