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Gerald Durrell: A Life Explored in The Authorised Biography

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Gerald Durrell, the beloved naturalist, conservationist, and author, left an indelible mark on the world through his passionate advocacy for wildlife and his captivating literary works. Now, in "Gerald Durrell: The Authorised Biography," award-winning author Douglas Botting paints an intimate and comprehensive portrait of this extraordinary figure.

A Childhood Immersed in Nature

Gerald Malcolm Durrell was born on January 7, 1925, in Jamshedpur, India, to British parents. His early childhood was spent on the family's sprawling estate in Corfu, Greece, where he developed a deep love for the natural world. Surrounded by exotic plants and animals, Durrell spent countless hours exploring the island's landscapes and observing its wildlife.

Gerald Durrell: The Authorised Biography (Text Only)

by Douglas Botting

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	789 pages

These formative experiences ignited a lifelong passion for animals, particularly those facing extinction. Durrell's fascination with nature extended beyond observation; he kept an eclectic collection of pets that included dogs, cats, birds, and even a baby otter named Sammy.

A Journey into Zoological Discovery

As a young man, Durrell embarked on a series of expeditions to remote corners of the world to study and collect endangered species. These adventures, often perilous and financially challenging, took him to Cameroon, Argentina, British Guiana, and many other countries.

Durrell's expeditions were not merely scientific endeavors; they were also journeys of compassion and humor. He captured the hardships and triumphs of his travels in his acclaimed travelogues, such as "My Family and Other Animals" and "Three Singles to Adventure," which introduced him to a global audience.

Conservation and Animal Welfare

Durrell's passion for wildlife extended beyond his literary pursuits. In 1959, he founded the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, now known as Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, to protect endangered species and promote conservation awareness.

The trust's mission was to breed endangered animals in captivity and eventually reintroduce them into their natural habitats. Durrell believed that by saving individual animals, he could help preserve entire species and ecosystems.

A Literary Legacy

Throughout his life, Durrell's love for nature and his experiences in conservation inspired his prolific literary output. His books, both fiction and non-fiction, have captivated readers worldwide with their humor, poignancy, and insightful observations on the human-animal relationship.

Durrell's literary range is vast, from hilarious tales of his zoological adventures to poignant novels exploring the complexities of human nature. His most famous works include the "My Family and Other Animals" trilogy, "Birds, Beasts and Relatives," and the "Corfu Trilogy."

The Authorised Biography

Douglas Botting's "Gerald Durrell: The Authorised Biography" is the definitive account of Durrell's life and legacy. Botting draws on extensive research, including interviews with Durrell's family, friends, and colleagues, to create a nuanced and compelling portrait of this extraordinary man.

The biography sheds light on Durrell's personal life, his struggles and triumphs, and his enduring impact on wildlife conservation. It is an essential read for fans of Durrell's work, as well as anyone interested in the life of one of the most influential naturalists of the 20th century.

Gerald Durrell was a man of extraordinary passion, vision, and compassion. As a naturalist, conservationist, and author, he dedicated his life to preserving the wonder and diversity of the natural world.

Douglas Botting's "Gerald Durrell: The Authorised Biography" is a captivating exploration of Durrell's life and legacy. It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of wildlife conservation and literature.

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Gerald Durrell As A Child, Surrounded By Animals In Corfu, Greece Gerald Durrell: The Authorised Biography (Text Only) *