An essential guide to the works of Sir David Attenborough

Representative image. Pic/iStock

Arguably one of the most well-known naturalist in the world, Sir David Attenborough has an enviable legacy spanning decades. His compassionate enthusiasm and wit have seeped through his works that have continued to make us marvel at the beauty of nature. On the occasion of Sir David Attenborough's 95^th birthday, we have handpicked six of his most interesting books and documentaries that every nature lover must check out.

Documentaries

Our Planet

Among Sir David Attenborough's most recent documentaries, ‘Our Planet' explores different habitats around the world with a focus on the human impact on the environment. Netflix's first nature documentary is an ambitious production that aims to give an immersive experience of natural beauty. Breathtaking visuals showcase the lives of desert elephants, polar bears, sea urchins, bald eagles, and many more as viewers get an insight into nature's changing landscapes and vulnerabilities in the era of climate change.

Dynasties

This six-episode documentary series is ideal for those who are besotted with the animal kingdom. Each hour-long episode gives viewers detailed and intimate insights into the lifestyle and behaviours of endangered animal families. ‘Dynasties' follows generations of emperor penguins, tigers, lions, painted wolves, and chimpanzees and dives deep into their struggles and need for conservation.

Life

If you find evolution fascinating, ‘Life' will surely make for an interesting watch. The 10-episode documentary chronicles some of the most extreme behaviours that living organisms, plants and animals alike, have adopted or devised to ensure their survival. Viewers get to witness extraordinary hunting, feeding, parenting as well as courting behaviours across a wide species of animals shot by high-speed cameras.

Books

Adventures of a Young Naturalist

‘Adventures of a Young Naturalist' takes readers back to where it all began - Attenborough's journeys around the globe, finding rare animals for the London Zoo's collection and filming expeditions for BBC's show ‘Zoo Quest' in 1954. The book is an exciting account of his adventures and experiences as he sought Komodo dragons in Indonesia, armadillos in Paraguay, among other elusive animals.

Amazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery

An exploration of the evolution of natural history, this fascinating book introduces readers to the unique relationship that exists between nature and art. The 16^th and 17^th centuries were marked by the voyages of discovery that exposed European artists to exotic plants and animals and profoundly impacted the way nature was recorded. Alongside curators from the Royal Library, Attenborough examines the Discovery-era contributions of artists Leonardo da Vinci, Maria Merian, Mark Catesby, and Alexandar Marshal and collector Cassiano dal Pozzo.

Life Stories

This book is an unmissable read for fans of Attenborough and his work. He shares personal insight and observations throughout his distinguished career as he looks back on the wildlife that has captured his imagination. ‘Life Stories', also available as an audio book, includes several personal anecdotes as the natural historian speaks of his first ever pet, his favourite animal, among other interesting antics.