One of the things I love most about this series is its age - now 28-years-old, it lacks the super-special effects and cutting-edge scientific representation, leaving the whole production down to the skill of the camera and the authority of the presentation. There is an air of the technologically archaic about it, but delving into some of the older series is in itself a history lesson - we know how people viewed the world 28 years ago, we know what conservation concerns were pressing them, and we already know the next chapter of the story, as to whether their concerns were addressed by an increasingly aware world. Older documentaries such as this were the best, in my opinion, and you can add to that distinguished list other Attenborough classics such as Life on Earth and The Tribal Eye, the ground-breaking Second World War documentary The World at War, and the quintessential and iconic volumes of Whicker's World. They were authoritative, intellectually stimulating and cultured - and with the odd exception (such as Attenborough's excellent recent works, Palin's travels, and a thin smattering of other top-class series) how often can you say that about television nowadays?
The First Eden was four hours of my life that I'd gladly spend again. But it doesn't end there for, perhaps even better, a quick scan of my bookshelves revealed the very book that accompanies the series. With its musty smell and slightly browning pages, you'd be forgiven for overlooking it in favour of more up-to-date reads but, look beyond its faded cover, and a whole world of colour is waiting within. I can't wait to start reading this in the comfort of my armchair!
