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  • David Attenborough - Life on Air

  • Memoirs of a Broadcaster
  • By: David Attenborough
  • Narrated by: David Attenborough
  • Length: 19 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (3,003 ratings)
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David Attenborough - Life on Air

By: David Attenborough
Narrated by: David Attenborough
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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

What listeners say about David Attenborough - Life on Air

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I didnt want it to end

I loved every minute of listening to the Author reading his memoirs, he has such an amazing voice and is a brilliant story teller. I raced through it but towards the end started rationing my listening because I simply didnt want it to end. Thank you David for a wonderful listen.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

20 hours of bliss

If, like me, you find Sir David's voice to be calming and soothing like the quintessential grandfather telling stories to his grandson, then you will find yourself perfectly at home on the knee of someone who is surely one of the greatest naturalists and broadcasters ever to grace us with their talents.

A wonderful array of stories, taken from years of incredible experiences and each one bursting with the passion and excitement borne from the true love of living creatures. All given context with the backdrop of a career in television which began with the foundation of BBC television as we know it, and following what is an enthralling and fulfilling story which leaves you wanting to travel and grab some of those special moments for yourself.

Could not recommend more highly, this is 20 hours you will consider well spent and very likely will wish to repeat.

If only Sir David could narrate every book I listen to...

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Passion and adventure in natural history.

Attenborough surprised me with his funny and dynamic re-telling of a thoroughly adventurous life. I loved that he didn't just focus on his professional life, but gave you glimpses of all his passions.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great to hear the National treasure

A really good listen, with interesting stories and insights into the early days of television, all read in David Attenborough's own lovely voice. A word of warning- it's not a general autobiography, only covering his relationship with broadcasting and the various wildlife programmes, so if these are not of interest, find something else.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Bestseller for a Reason!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a wonderful book, wonderfully read by a very talented man.

What did you like best about this story?

The book is interesting and delightful from start to finish.

Which character – as performed by David Attenborough – was your favourite?

David has lots of stories to tell about people and animals he has come across in his life which makes the book so very entertaining.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh and I did find some parts very moving; in general I am amazed that one man can have achieved so much and is indeed continuing to work with passion for his beloved natural world.

Any additional comments?

I Loved this book and will re-listen I am sure.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

If I could give this book 6 stars I would!

I am so glad I downloaded this book. The best Audible purchase I have made - I know I will listen to it again and again. Absolutely fascinating and David Attenborough's narration is the icing on the cake.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

I loved this book. David Attenborough has a wonderful voice and his stories were fantastic.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Seminal

A real insight into a man whose work has always instilled in me a sense of wonder and amazement. Attenborough writes and presents with the grace, knowledge and wit representative of one so illuminated by such an exotic and adventurous life.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring and funny

Great story and amazimg adventures. My respect to Sir David and his co-workesr through decades of marvellous journeys on our beautiful planet.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Extraordinary book.

Loved every minute, the stories alone would be brilliant, but Attenborough's voice brings it to an even higher level!

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