David Attenborough - Life on Air

Memoirs of a Broadcaster

By: David Attenborough

Narrated by: David Attenborough

Length: 19 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's 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

Critic reviews

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

absolutely wonderful!

One of the best books I've come across in a while. A pleasure to listen to.

wonderful

I've always loved sir David' s narrations. and to hear his insights into the workings of the BBC in its early days was both informative and amusing

Enjoyable, educational, entertaining!

More enjoyable, educational and entertaining than I could have ever imagined. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Never Dull

I could listen to Sir David talk for days, but hearing him tell the story of his own life is a real treat. A revelation of the inner workings of the BBC, as well as a seemingly endless treasure trove of amusing anecdotes.

Privilege to have ‘read’ this book

What a privilege to have listened to Sir David read this totally captivating book of his life and exploits.
His enthusiasm, knowledge and passion mixed with humility are something to behold.
And then to have it done in impeccable English!
I highly recommend this book to people of all ages.

The ultimate encyclopedia of life

Sir David Attenborough, through this and his other books and documentaries about animals, plants and the human capacity to enjoy (and destroy) - has most certainly recorded the History of the World - PART 1.

What we do next - will hopefully take heed of what we have and what we need to protect for the future.

Life of Air was a perfect summary of Sir David’s life and achievements as well as demonstrating the twists and turns and opportunities (should you take them) that can shape you. He has given so much to the world, as has the teams of people he has worked with over the years.
I enjoyed listening to the stories ‘behind the scenes’ about sound effects, camera shots and positioning, evolving use of technology and the improvisation needed in so many way.
I applaud the audiobook producer and David, for having ‘himself” narrate his own story. Makes perfect sense.
I now want to start watching every documentary he ever made - right from the beginning.

Truly wonderful

As a child and into adulthood I have watched all the films by Sir David. This was a wonderful addition and I found myself recalling many scenes from them as he described the journey in making them. Absolutely wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful by the GOAT of natural history programs

A fabulous travelogue of over 50 years of pioneering natural history filming. A wonderful story by one of the great pioneers of the moving picture and a consummate conservationist. Hilarious all the times US distributors wanted to replace David with a more famous narrator

I could listen to him all day!

I absolutely loved this book and David Attenborough is and always will be an amazing man who lives an amazing life. He tells his story with great detail and makes you feel as though you were there with him.

A Wonderful Life

If there is anyone to be envious of for having lived a spectacular, interesting life, while doing great work to improve the world, it's David Attenborough. A real pleasure.