My life in the wild

by Ivan Tors

209 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 1979

Reviews

[Laura]

It felt appropriate to round out my Helfer and Derby books with one written by the man who produced the shows that involved their animals. And wow, I do not think I've read an animal book with this much ego since Gunther Gabel Williams' autobiography. It oozes from every word, ironic since he states many times how nature has humbled him. This is also the happiest book about exotic animals in TV/movies that I've ever read -- everything is just so much fun and so perfect! Given he describes the horrible flood at his ranch as a silly aside (and leaving out the fact that several animals did not actually survive), it makes me question the reality of any of his other stories. But reality is not really the point of this book, and the stories are quite entertaining as given. And he has a lot of very cool natural history bits worked in that are surprisingly accurate (so long as he stays away from evolution). I say worth reading for the entertainment value of his ridiculous overconfidence and self assurance.

[Mike Winterrowd]

Ivan Tors, aside from his unusual and remarkable life, is able to make deep points in a simple, succint way.

This book should be a must read for any lover of animals and wildlife, and is also a great insight into some 'early days' memoirs of animal wrangling in television and movies. Any Bond buff or Carson fan should read it if only for the behind-the-scenes stories.

I've read the book many times since I was a teenager, and the true love of the natural world always comes through. The ecology and science noted is dated of course, but Tors was a pioneer in many ways.