My Family and Other Animals
(Author) Gerald DurrellGerald Durrell's beloved account of his childhood in Corfu, now in Penguin Modern Classics for the first time 'When My Family and Other Animals was published it was as if someone had flung back the curtains, thrown up the windows and let in a stream of bright light' - Kathryn Hughes, Guardian 'Gerald Durrell was magic' - Sir David Attenborough 'Living in Corfu was rather like living in one of the more flamboyant and slapstick comic operas' It is 1935 and the Durrells have escaped the leaden summer skies of Bournemouth to arrive 'like a troupe of medieval tumblers' on the sun-drenched island of Corfu for a new life. Gerald Durrell's beloved portrayal of his chaotic family - beatific Mother, Roger the dog, diet-obsessed Margo, book-loving Lawrence and gun-wielding Leslie - as well as his own adventures with a burgeoning menagerie of beasts, birds and insects (including an owl called Ulysses), is a timeless account of an idyllic childhood and an uproarious portrait of the English abroad.
Gerald Durrell
Gerald Durrell was a British naturalist, conservationist, and author, best known for his humorously written autobiographical books about his childhood and his experiences as a wildlife collector. His most notable works include "My Family and Other Animals," "Birds, Beasts, and Relatives," and "The Corfu Trilogy."
Durrell's writing style is characterized by his vivid descriptions of the natural world, his witty observations, and his infectious love for animals. He is credited with popularizing the genre of humorous wildlife writing and inspiring a new generation of conservationists through his passionate advocacy for the preservation of endangered species and their habitats.
"My Family and Other Animals" is Durrell's most famous work, recounting his eccentric childhood on the Greek island of Corfu with his colorful family and their menagerie of pets. The book has been widely acclaimed for its entertaining storytelling, charming characters, and insightful reflections on the beauty of the natural world.
Gerald Durrell's legacy in literature and conservation continues to inspire readers and environmentalists around the world, making him a beloved figure in both fields.