Monday, April 01, 2002

Attenborough, David: The Life of Mammals

The Life of Mammals, as a title, does not evoke the same dry, scientific, taxonomic, encyclopaedic impression as most other natural history books. Neither does the content. This is a beuatifully produced book rich in colourful illustrations and text. Sir David (I have no problem calling him by his appointed title!), as always, presents the subject of natural life with an enthusiasm and style that highlights what beauty and intrigue exists in nature. He avoids the human problems that plague the subject (environmental damage, evolution etc.), instead choosing to offer the reader an insight into a world so rarely viewed.

Each chapter refers to the corresponding TV episode and Attenborough selects the most unusual and intriguing behaviours and nuances each particular species exhibits. The colour photographs compliment the text well. Often I found myself reading about a certain mammal, visualising the particular focal point (e.g. catching prey) only to be presented with a wonderful image on the following page! A highly recommended read and another achievement for Sir David!

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