QUEST UNDER CAPRICORN

Renowned broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough is a gifted observer and recorder of human experience. From a journal he kept during a 1963 trip to the Australian bush, we enjoy the literary portraits he paints of natural subjects—some of them Homo sapiens. His eloquent prose contains the same detailed imagery as his filmed documentaries. His ever-inquiring mind leads him to meet some peculiar characters, to whom he attaches thoughtful, humorous, and apropos adjectives. His skillful description of Magani, an Aboriginal artist and carver he found, exemplifies the author/narrator's ability as a master of words. Attenborough's years of experience as the host of dozens of nature films make him the perfect narrator for his memorable adventures. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2010]