My Family and Other Animals

Historical Context and Significance

Gerald Durrell's book «My Family and Other Animals» holds significant historical and cultural importance. Published in 1956, it became the first part of a trilogy dedicated to the author's life and his family's experiences on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s. The book combines autobiographical elements with descriptions of nature and animals, making it popular among nature and literature enthusiasts. As a naturalist and zoologist, Durrell greatly contributed to the popularization of biology and conservation. His vivid and humorous depictions of family life and local fauna inspired many readers to study and protect the environment. The book also influenced the development of the nature writing genre and solidified Durrell's reputation as one of the leading naturalist writers of his time.