The Peregrine by J.A. Baker
- Thread starter Klenchblaize
- Start date
Frank Homes
Well-Known Member
Agree KB a classic, I have a couple of copies somewhere.
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Siggy
Well-Known Member
Tried to read this book as a kid, but the shear poetry of it escaped me until it got the David Attenborough treatment...amazingly descriptive. Brought back memories of watching a peregrines next on the sea cliffs in South Devon as a kid when I should have been revising for my ‘A’ Levels!
gerarddwatts
Well-Known Member
Listened to it/him on the radio this am. Spellbinding.
www.bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 4 - The Peregrine, read by David Attenborough
David Attenborough reads a classic of British nature writing, The Peregrine by J.A. Baker.
Agreed. Listen to Episode 7 from 10:39 - 12:20 for proof of that:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07xnc9z
K
Sako75Hunter
Well-Known Member
Never read it, but Robert MacFarland raved about it extensively in one his books that I did read, can't remember which one. Sounded like a brilliant book.
Sorry, but I listened to the omnibus edition on Radio 4 extra and eventually had to turn it off. I found it trite, overblown, fantastical, not in accordance with my observation of peregrine behaviour, a fantasy, whimsy poor attempt at poetry, just a fondness for using many words when one would be enough.
Roping in D. Attenborough to narrate it in his usual soothing tones and condescension was the last straw.
Well past his sell by date and just blocking the career ladder for many talented people. No doubt when he pops his clogs there will be a great outpouring of sanctimonious faux grief for this national treasure. Whose talent appears simply to be a supreme narrator. Which is worthwhile. I understand that he knows a bit about fossils too.
Roping in D. Attenborough to narrate it in his usual soothing tones and condescension was the last straw.
Well past his sell by date and just blocking the career ladder for many talented people. No doubt when he pops his clogs there will be a great outpouring of sanctimonious faux grief for this national treasure. Whose talent appears simply to be a supreme narrator. Which is worthwhile. I understand that he knows a bit about fossils too.
My thoughts too ! No evocative description of the peregrine there that bore any resemblance to my involvement with the peregrine falcon !
As for Mr Attenborough, well past his 'sell by date' ! Far too much credence given of late to his 'ramblings' re climate-change, conversation etc. I find he comes across condescending and very patronising.
'Camodog'.
I totally agree with you regarding the use of Attenborough. A very poor choise but it didn't seem worth mentioning at the time as unlike you I found the poetic approach compelling albeit I wasn't the least bit interested in if it did justice to the Peregrine.
But then I can listen to HP Lovecraft all night and not tire of his intensly descriptive prose.
Each to his own
K
But then I can listen to HP Lovecraft all night and not tire of his intensly descriptive prose.
Each to his own
K
Oops, tried to edit again but 30 minute timeout got me.
Just to say:
View it.
And understand his attitude to life, and death, which I think might resonate with many of us.
My grandfather was a friend, as far as Ted had friends, but my goodness he was single minded. Utterly brilliant. I wish I had met him myself.
Hence my intolerance of pap and tedious narrators who don't have anything to teach me. I want to have, let's say, my mind expanded. Not to be patronised by, lets just say, not particularly intelligent people, nor dictated to by weirdos fixated on single-issue things, but also seeking the limelight of publicity, which seems rather odd. Packham, Thunberg, BASC, whoever comes next. Dangerous though they are in the moment.
Just to say:
View it.
And understand his attitude to life, and death, which I think might resonate with many of us.
My grandfather was a friend, as far as Ted had friends, but my goodness he was single minded. Utterly brilliant. I wish I had met him myself.
Hence my intolerance of pap and tedious narrators who don't have anything to teach me. I want to have, let's say, my mind expanded. Not to be patronised by, lets just say, not particularly intelligent people, nor dictated to by weirdos fixated on single-issue things, but also seeking the limelight of publicity, which seems rather odd. Packham, Thunberg, BASC, whoever comes next. Dangerous though they are in the moment.
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