Gerald Durrell: The Authorized Biography

Douglas Botting's new biography of Gerald Durrell, a charming man whose unique Zoo, Wild Life Preservation Trust and deeply touching , hilarious stories have saved many an animal from extinction and moved people around the world to join the conservation effort, is an "xtrordenry" tale of one man's dream come true. Botting's obvious fascination with Durrell's personality and mission, good grasp of the world of nature and travel, as well as his humorous streak, are an ideal mix of credentials for someone attempting to recount a story of this supreme "raconteur." After a vivid depiction of Durrell's colorful early childhood in colonial India, Botting perceptively discerns and fits together all the pieces of Gerald's adolescent years that made him into a shy but passionate and original man with a unique vision. It was in the enchanted atmosphere of pre-war Corfu, with its unspoilt fauna and picturesque dwellers, that Durrell's free spirit and sense of wonder first blossomed, enhanced by the lack of stiflingly uniform influence of formal schooling. His widowed mother's warm devotion and faith in Gerald's endeavors, creative encouragement from his older brother and budding writer Lawrence, coupled with his tutors' idiosyncratic influences and the island's offer of the freedom to explore the natural world, all combined to account for the very unconventionality of Durrell's upbringing and personality that would later make people yield to his charisma and daring. Botting manages to stay true to the spirit of Gerald Durrell, as if the magic firefly of the epilogue lights up his way throughout the book. I also liked Botting's impartiality in dealing with such complicated emotional roller-coasters as Gerald's relationship with his first wife Jacquie and his alcohol problem, which he never downplays, at the same time managing to convey Durrell's intrinsic honesty and charm. The only regret that will forever haunt this biography is that Durrell unfortunately didn't have time to pen it himself.

This must be one of the best biographies I have read about anyone. Douglas Botting is to be congratulated on his meticulous research and unbiased approach. He gives us a wonderful insight into this complex man's extraordinary life. All 607 pages are highly readable and I found it hard to put the book down. I particularly enjoyed the account of Durrell's happy go lucky, unconventional childhood in Greece surrounded by his mad mad family. As Gerald Durrell would have wanted, there is a lively quality about the telling of his story. There were so many facets to this man's character and Botting has been at pains to dig deep to bring these to the fore. Having read Durrell's books many years ago I found myself enjoying the adventures of his life all over again, but in a different way, now that I understand more about the man and his background. I feel this is a 'must' read for anyone who has enjoyed Gerald Durrell's books

I always thought of Gerry Durrell as my own secret discovery, and gave copies of his books to all my friends. Also visited the Jersey Trust twice....well worth it. This book reads like the diary of an old and dear friend, sharing much and explaining a lot. He was ahead of us all in his love for the endangered earth and its living creatures.

Botting has done a first rate job covering the life of Gerald Durrell. One of the obstacles Botting had too overcome was the great familiarity of the various events in Durrell's life that Durrell himself recorded in his 37 books. Of course, not all 37 books were autobiographical, but a good many were and the reader who has read even just one or two of Durrell's books will get a sense of deja-vu. But where Durrell always molded his tales into humourous and engaging stories, Botting approached them as an historian. For the first time, we get dates and places. By the by, fans of Larry Durrell will find Bottings book an asset, as the lives of the Durrell brothers were - like many brothers - quite entwined. Botting also does a first rate job in placing Durrell's achievment and accomplishments amongst his fellow conservationists: Gerald Durrell really was one of the great.PS. Now only if Durrell's video series were available for home purchase.

Douglas Botting's biography of Gerald Durrell is a whacking great book, over 600 pages long. But then, the environmentalist, naturalist, humorist, best-selling author and adventurer was a whacking great personality. His riotous enjoyment of life and his passionate, loving struggles for animal conservation fly off the pages. It's an absorbing, hugely appealing story. Durrell should have been immortal, for the good of the Earth. Published by ... etc.