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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
I wanted something to listen to before bed, while waiting for the 4th Sherlock Holmes audiobook to be available on Borrowbox, but I just don't want to listen to anything non-fiction at bedtime rn as it turns out.
informative
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
Too many stories about birds for me
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Great collection of stories that may not have fit in any of his previous documentaries. I’m glad he shared them here
An unsurprisingly superb book from David Attenborough, comprised of 20 4-5 page anecdotes from his life mixed with snippets of fascinating information on the natural history of each of the chapter's subject. For those who have read his extensive autobiography, 'Life On Air', many chapters venture into very familiar territory; there are re-tellings of his experiences collecting Elephant bird egg shell fragments on Madagascar, climbing giant mounds of guano to film blacknest swiftlets (just before a bat flies into his face!), Komodo dragons getting a bit too close for comfort, and, of course, yet another documentation of his fascination and encounters with the splendid birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea.
Each chapter is, in true Attenborough fashion, accompanied with a small collection of historical illustrations, photographs, and diagrams - all captioned, of course - to conclude the story. It's a wonderful way of wrapping up a chapter and a sure testament to a job done well. Though each chapter is concise, the details captured are quite astonishing; a particularly memorable one focuses on the Large Blue Butterfly, its history in the British Isles, and its peculiar life cycle. The book is solely worth reading for that, it's quite unbelievable.
As there is with 'Life on Air', there is also quite an overlap with Attenborough's Natural Curiosities series; just as he dedicates each 45 minute episode to 2-3 creatures in great detail, a couple of chapters in 'Life Stories' follow suit. The first to do so centres of the bizarre Platypus, and the difficulties in filming it within the private of its burrow. But as Sir Dave has such a way of eloquence in writing, any story he tells times and time again really do have as much charm as the first. It's a charming book and a must read for any fan or admirer of a man who has lived such an extraordinary life - which must be all of us, surely?
Each chapter is, in true Attenborough fashion, accompanied with a small collection of historical illustrations, photographs, and diagrams - all captioned, of course - to conclude the story. It's a wonderful way of wrapping up a chapter and a sure testament to a job done well. Though each chapter is concise, the details captured are quite astonishing; a particularly memorable one focuses on the Large Blue Butterfly, its history in the British Isles, and its peculiar life cycle. The book is solely worth reading for that, it's quite unbelievable.
As there is with 'Life on Air', there is also quite an overlap with Attenborough's Natural Curiosities series; just as he dedicates each 45 minute episode to 2-3 creatures in great detail, a couple of chapters in 'Life Stories' follow suit. The first to do so centres of the bizarre Platypus, and the difficulties in filming it within the private of its burrow. But as Sir Dave has such a way of eloquence in writing, any story he tells times and time again really do have as much charm as the first. It's a charming book and a must read for any fan or admirer of a man who has lived such an extraordinary life - which must be all of us, surely?
Fascinating stories, sometimes hilarious and other times touching, from the natural world. Some of these animals and plants you will know of whereas many you won't, and you definitely won't have heard stories of them told like this. There's something here for everyone, from bizarre flowers and the amazing Platypus, to the Sloth and more, you will definitely learn something and come away feeling better about the world.
Also, listen to the audiobook to make the experience even better.
Also, listen to the audiobook to make the experience even better.