Sir David attenborough’s Desert Island Essential: A 19th-Century Survival Guide
The legendary naturalist reveals the surprising book he’d take to a desert island, and why it’s more relevant than ever in the 21st century.
Sir David Attenborough,a name synonymous with natural history filmmaking,has spent over seven decades captivating audiences with his insightful documentaries. As the face and voice behind groundbreaking BBC series such as *Life on Earth*,*The Blue Planet*,and *Planet Earth*,he has ignited a passion for animals,conservation,and climate awareness in viewers across generations. His contributions have earned him a knighthood (1985) and the prestigious title of companion of Honor, alongside numerous BAFTA awards recognizing his work in various formats, from black and white to 4K.
Beyond his on-screen adventures, Attenborough is an avid reader with a practical mind. This was revealed in 2012 during his appearance on BBC Radio 4’s *Desert Island discs*.The premise of the show is simple: guests choose the music, book and luxury item they would take with them were they to be cast away alone on a desert island.
While many might expect a work of literature or beliefs from such an esteemed figure, Attenborough’s choice for his desert island book was far more pragmatic: *Shifts and Expedients of Camp Life*, a DIY
guide for 19th-century explorers written by W.B. Lord and T. Baines.
“It’s about four inches thick, and every conceivable disaster that you can think of that might happen to a traveller is there, together with a solution,”
Sir David Attenborough
This selection offers a fascinating glimpse into Attenborough’s resourcefulness and appreciation for practical knowledge.In an era increasingly reliant on technology, his choice highlights the enduring value of self-sufficiency and understanding the natural world.
Inside *Shifts and Expedients of Camp Life*
*Shifts and Expedients of Camp Life*, first published in 1868, served as a complete manual for Victorian-era adventurers venturing into the unknown. The book provided detailed instructions and helpful hints on a wide array of essential skills, from building shelters and procuring food to navigating treacherous terrain and treating injuries. Its detailed guidance covered:
- Wagons and boats
- Horses and oxen
- tents and firearms
- hunting and fishing
- Observing and collecting
- Carpentry and metal-working
- Camping requisites
- Bush cuisine
- Medical improvisation
- Crossing rivers
- Moving heavy objects
- Building huts
The authors, W. B.Lord and T. Baines, drew upon their own extensive experiences in Africa, Australia, the Crimea, and India to offer practical advice to fellow travelers. The book’s description emphasizes its goal: to provide guidance from two roving Englishmen who have roughed it,
to those who might follow in their footsteps.
“I mean, and good advice. It says things like, an unmanly fear of fever is inclined to bring on the symptoms.Good stuff,you see. But it also tells you how to use its own, to use the phrase, how to baffle an alligator.”
Sir David Attenborough
This quote reveals Attenborough’s appreciation for the book’s blend of practical instruction and psychological insight. The advice to combat fear, alongside tips on dealing with hazardous wildlife, speaks to the holistic approach of 19th-century exploration.
the Enduring Relevance of Wilderness Skills
While *Shifts and Expedients of camp Life* may seem like a relic of a bygone era, its core principles remain surprisingly relevant today. In an age of increasing urbanization and reliance on technology, the ability to navigate and survive in the wilderness is a valuable asset. Consider the following scenarios:
- Natural Disasters: From hurricanes to earthquakes, natural disasters can disrupt infrastructure and leave individuals stranded without access to essential resources. Basic survival skills, like building a fire for warmth or finding potable water, can be life-saving.In the U.S., FEMA (Federal Emergency Management agency) emphasizes the importance of preparedness, including having a survival kit and knowing basic first aid.
- Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, camping, and backpacking are popular pastimes in the U.S. While modern equipment can enhance these experiences, knowing how to navigate with a map and compass, build a shelter, or treat a minor injury remains crucial for safety. Every year, countless hikers get lost or injured in national parks and forests, highlighting the need for wilderness skills.
- Emergency situations: Getting lost while driving in a remote area, experiencing a car breakdown in the wilderness, or facing an unexpected survival scenario can all benefit from a basic understanding of survival techniques.
The principles outlined in *Shifts and Expedients of Camp Life* aren’t just about surviving; they’re about fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Understanding how to identify edible plants, track animals, or build a shelter can cultivate a greater appreciation for the environment and our place within it.
Several organizations in the U.S. offer wilderness survival courses, teaching skills such as:
- Fire Starting
- Shelter Building
- Water Procurement and Purification
- Navigation (map and Compass)
- first Aid
Attenborough’s Musical companions
In addition to his survival guide, Attenborough also chose eight musical tracks to accompany him on his hypothetical desert island solitude; all classical pieces:
- Francisco Yglesia’s Pajaro Campana or The Bell Bird
- Franz Schubert’s Impromptu No.1 in F minor
- George Frideric Handel’s And the Glory of the Lord
- Lyre Bird’s from the Life of Birds
- The Gamelan Orchestra’s Legong
- Carl Michael Ziehrer’s Wiener Burger waltz
- Mozart’s Soave sia il vento – Gentle be the breeze
- Bach’s 3rd of Bach’s Goldberg Variations
