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Myself and Other Animals

Reflections from a beloved conservationist and naturalist

Gerald Durrell author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:5th Dec '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Myself and Other Animals cover

This collection offers a heartfelt glimpse into Gerald Durrell's life, showcasing his adventures and insights as a beloved conservationist. Myself and Other Animals is a tribute to his legacy.

A posthumous work celebrating the life of the beloved conservationist and naturalist, Gerald Durrell, Myself and Other Animals offers readers an intimate glimpse into his world. Edited and introduced by his widow, Lee Durrell, this collection is a mosaic of unpublished autobiographies, uncollected pieces, and previously published extracts. It showcases Durrell's unique voice and perspective, revealing the magic that captivated many, including renowned figures like Sir David Attenborough.

In Myself and Other Animals, readers are taken on a remarkable journey through Durrell's life, from his childhood in India to his experiences in England and the sunlit landscapes of Corfu. The book draws on a memoir that Durrell began before his illness, as well as an unfinished account of his adventures in Australia in 1969. Through touching family tributes and vivid anecdotes about the animals he loved, the narrative provides a rich tapestry of his experiences, filled with dry wit and profound insights into the natural world.

This collection not only fills important gaps in the biographical narrative of Gerald Durrell but also serves as a moving tribute to his endeavours as a conservationist. It is a celebration of his achievements and a reflection of his deep connection with nature, making it a significant addition to the literary canon of one of Britain's most cherished nature writers.

Nature’s most rapt inspector, ally and celebrant . . . I could read about Durrell’s wildlife encounters all day . . . a wise, genial and world-encompassing book -- John Walsh * Sunday Times *
Fills important gaps in the biographical narrative . . . Truly, there is magic here -- Kathryn Hughes * Guardian *
A moving tribute to Gerald's endeavours and achievements as a conservationist -- Richard Bradford * Spectator *
Celebrates his extraordinary life in technicolour -- Matt Nixson * Daily Express *
Replete with characters of feathers, fur and fin, it offers an intimate picture of the naturalist and his travels * National Geographic *
A generous and magnificent achievement – an autobiography, of sorts, composed of excerpts both well-known and rare, each carrying Durrell’s distinctive, engaging and entertaining voice. A century on from the beloved conservationist’s birth, when so many forms of life remain at risk of extinction, it also stands as an important call to action before it’s too late -- Julian Hoffman, author of Lifelines and Irreplaceable

ISBN: 9780241738139

Dimensions: 223mm x 145mm x 32mm

Weight: 486g

352 pages