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A Man of the World: My Life at National Geographic
The captivating inside story of the man who helmed National Geographic from the 1960s to the 1980s is a front-row seat to iconic feats of exploration, from Jane Goodall's first assignment to the discovery of Titanic, offering a rare portrait of one of the most iconic media empires in history.
In the middle of the 20th century, there was a man whose name--and magazine--was recognized from Tanzania to Siberia. His vision for a world full of wonder created one of the most unique and beloved institutions on the planet. His name is Gilbert M. Grosvenor.
For more than 100 years, Grosvenor's family led the National Geographic Society, building it from a Victorian club in 1888 to a powerful media empire recognized the world over for the iconic yellow rectangle that has outlasted nearly all rival brands. In this swashbuckling memoir, Grosvenor tells the story of "growing up Geographic," from editorial assignments that took him from the Arctic Circle and into the jungle with Jane Goodall to the helm of the flagship magazine as its editor-in-chief, growing its circulation to more than 10 million subscribers, and launching a book imprint, television programming, and a geography education initiative. Grosvenor's life spans the sweep of Henry Luce's "American Century" and is set against some of the most breathtaking locations this planet has to offer, including the temples of Angkor Wat and the banks of the Nile, and events such as the crowning of an African prince and the funeral of Winston Churchill. And it is lived against the challenging backdrop of simultaneously serving an active membership and documenting a changing planet.
This extraordinary memoir from one of the most successful media executives of the 20th century--filled with pirates, royalty, treasures, frostbite, shipwrecks, impenetrable jungles, hidden tombs, and ancient temples--is the story of American journalism writ large. And it's a galvanizing call to action that will inspire readers to explore and protect our world.
In the middle of the 20th century, there was a man whose name--and magazine--was recognized from Tanzania to Siberia. His vision for a world full of wonder created one of the most unique and beloved institutions on the planet. His name is Gilbert M. Grosvenor.
For more than 100 years, Grosvenor's family led the National Geographic Society, building it from a Victorian club in 1888 to a powerful media empire recognized the world over for the iconic yellow rectangle that has outlasted nearly all rival brands. In this swashbuckling memoir, Grosvenor tells the story of "growing up Geographic," from editorial assignments that took him from the Arctic Circle and into the jungle with Jane Goodall to the helm of the flagship magazine as its editor-in-chief, growing its circulation to more than 10 million subscribers, and launching a book imprint, television programming, and a geography education initiative. Grosvenor's life spans the sweep of Henry Luce's "American Century" and is set against some of the most breathtaking locations this planet has to offer, including the temples of Angkor Wat and the banks of the Nile, and events such as the crowning of an African prince and the funeral of Winston Churchill. And it is lived against the challenging backdrop of simultaneously serving an active membership and documenting a changing planet.
This extraordinary memoir from one of the most successful media executives of the 20th century--filled with pirates, royalty, treasures, frostbite, shipwrecks, impenetrable jungles, hidden tombs, and ancient temples--is the story of American journalism writ large. And it's a galvanizing call to action that will inspire readers to explore and protect our world.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 26, 2022
Summary: The occasionally self-aggrandizing tone of this memoir is offset by a charming enthusiasm and a fascinating life story.
Gilbert Grosvenor is the fifth member of his family to have been editor of National Geographic and president of the associated society. He led a fascinating life, with tons of travel and encounters with world leaders. He also shares some interesting internal politics and stories about how National Geographic evolved over time.
There are a few places where this book suffers from being a subjective memoir instead of an objective history. The author gives the NatGeo society a lot of credit for the work of explorers and scientists they fund. Some paragraphs just feel like a bunch of name dropping. And it's a bit grating for the author to tell us about the 37-room mansion his family inherited from Alexander Graham Bell and then follow that with "but isn't racist a bit harsh for old NatGeo coverage, though?".
The author's personal affection for National Geographic has some good points too. His enthusiasm for travel, his dedication to keeping the magazine running well, and his passion for geography education all help bring this story to life. His descriptions of his personal experience with travel and internal society politics were the high points of this memoir for me. The author has had a ton of interesting experiences and his passionate writing helped me feel like I was there too. I also appreciated that the author was willing to share cases where he made mistakes, including some humorous incidents while doing photography abroad. Not a perfect memoir, but unique and well worth a read.This review was originally posted on Doing Dewey
Gilbert Grosvenor is the fifth member of his family to have been editor of National Geographic and president of the associated society. He led a fascinating life, with tons of travel and encounters with world leaders. He also shares some interesting internal politics and stories about how National Geographic evolved over time.
There are a few places where this book suffers from being a subjective memoir instead of an objective history. The author gives the NatGeo society a lot of credit for the work of explorers and scientists they fund. Some paragraphs just feel like a bunch of name dropping. And it's a bit grating for the author to tell us about the 37-room mansion his family inherited from Alexander Graham Bell and then follow that with "but isn't racist a bit harsh for old NatGeo coverage, though?".
The author's personal affection for National Geographic has some good points too. His enthusiasm for travel, his dedication to keeping the magazine running well, and his passion for geography education all help bring this story to life. His descriptions of his personal experience with travel and internal society politics were the high points of this memoir for me. The author has had a ton of interesting experiences and his passionate writing helped me feel like I was there too. I also appreciated that the author was willing to share cases where he made mistakes, including some humorous incidents while doing photography abroad. Not a perfect memoir, but unique and well worth a read.This review was originally posted on Doing Dewey
August 22, 2022
Grover Gardner with Destin to be great. His father and grandfather we’re both editors of National Geographic and helped adventurers reach the places on earth others don’t dare to go. Mr. Gardner has gone to places most people only dream to go from diving in Antarctica to the mountainous regions of New Delhi and so much more. His life has been not only adventurous but envious on so many levels. National geographic has been my favorite magazine since I was old enough to listen to my grandpa read it to me and it took me to places I probably will never get to go but thanks to National Geographic and Grover Gardner I know as much as I can about the experience. I love this book and highly recommend it it was fun reading about things that I read about in the magazine as they happen. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
December 10, 2023
Engaging story of behind the scenes at National Geographic by the man who was in charge during my childhood when I became an avid fan and reader. I was unaware of the relationship between the Grosvenor and Bell families and the role that Alexander Graham Bell played in the founding. I also did not realize that for a century, the National Geographic was essentially a family affair.
January 21, 2024
Full of adventure and very neat to learn more about the history of the society
October 10, 2023
Falls between 3 and 4. While I understand the reason why this book was written, I don't know if the bureaucratic goings on of the National Geographic Society/Magazine are for everyone. There weren't necessarily enough fun anecdotes to break up the drier bits. But makes you appreciate NatGeo for what it was and the people who made it the icon that it is.
October 14, 2023
I’d say 2/3 of the book outlines the undulating, decades-long NatGeo upper management cabinet reshuffles and the ‘drama’ therein. The rest is interesting travel anecdotes. I just felt like Grosvenor’s aim with the book was just to be like ‘I wasn’t the one that fucked it up’. And I think he successfully made his points.
September 5, 2022
“Though his career path had been paved by four generations of his family before him, Gilbert M. Grosvenor left his own mark on the National Geographic Society, founded in 1888 and recognized the world over by its ubiquitous yellow border. In an unflinchingly honest memoir as big as the world and all that is in it, Grosvenor shows us what it was like to “grow up Geographic.””
Turns out, I’m one of those arseholes that starts their reviews with, “I really wanted to like this book, but….”.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. I wanted tales of high adventure to places I’ll likely never go. While there was some, it was mostly just the recounting of how GMG went from privileged child, from whose mouth “the family yacht” comes naturally, to a privileged adult.
Sour grapes? Probably. I also think The National Geographic’s long history of racism and exploitation needed more than a single sentence, conveying little more than a literary shoulder shrug.
2/5
Thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for this ARC.
Turns out, I’m one of those arseholes that starts their reviews with, “I really wanted to like this book, but….”.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t get into it. I wanted tales of high adventure to places I’ll likely never go. While there was some, it was mostly just the recounting of how GMG went from privileged child, from whose mouth “the family yacht” comes naturally, to a privileged adult.
Sour grapes? Probably. I also think The National Geographic’s long history of racism and exploitation needed more than a single sentence, conveying little more than a literary shoulder shrug.
2/5
Thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for this ARC.
October 19, 2022
I had SUCH high hopes for this book, but was left terribly disappointed.
What I Expected: Epic tales from around the globe to further fuel my everlasting wanderlust
What I Got: A long winded tome about an incredibly privileged, incredibly white old man who thinks anyone cares about his illustrious ancestors. Nat Geo has a history of racism and misogyny, and none of that was addressed in any capacity. There were even a handful of moments to hint at the authors own tendencies toward these abhorrent mentalities. I’m honestly a bit shocked this made it to print, but when you’re a wealthy, connected, white man🤷🏻♀️
Thank you to Nat Geo, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to review this book.
What I Expected: Epic tales from around the globe to further fuel my everlasting wanderlust
What I Got: A long winded tome about an incredibly privileged, incredibly white old man who thinks anyone cares about his illustrious ancestors. Nat Geo has a history of racism and misogyny, and none of that was addressed in any capacity. There were even a handful of moments to hint at the authors own tendencies toward these abhorrent mentalities. I’m honestly a bit shocked this made it to print, but when you’re a wealthy, connected, white man🤷🏻♀️
Thank you to Nat Geo, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to review this book.
December 15, 2023
Being a National Geographic writer-photographer must be a pretty good job. I mean you take pictures during vacations anyway whilst exploring foreign countries. But in this case you also get paid for going on a vacation.
I'm not an avid fan of NatGeo stories, I prefer the video format, but it's a great standard format and you know that you get quality content. The main issue for me is the relevance and interest. There are only so many pictures of Africa or yet another "missing link" between Homo-this-and-Australopithecus-that I can watch without eyes glazing over. Sometimes it is almost like there is no scientific overwatch in the magazine, because there will always be another "missing link" between the found fossils.
But my favorite NatGeos were with fantastic space photos and I remember distinctly when my world changed because of one oversized starmap of the Galaxy and galaxy clusters and the Universe. The vast scale just blew my 10-year old mind. So even though I'm not an avid fan of every issue of the yellow magazine, I'm grateful for the few bright spots and the general work they do.
As follows, it's interesting to read about the history of this monument of journalism. The author of this autobiography is a 5th generation guardian and leader of NatGeo. His great-grandfather was Alexander Graham Bell. I guess one of the founders of the society as well. There were interesting family friends visiting, like an episode of the author's 12-year old grandfather eating ice cream with Roald Amundsen.
The author began reluctantly like his father before him, but eventually took over the family business of managing the magazine. Started out as a photographer and writer, met also his wife through the society and traveled all over the world looking at the rescue of Abu Simbel temple from the Aswan dam and hunting rabbits in the Serengeti, etc.
So there are some interesting stories from the past and some that are not so interesting. About the editorial decisions and business of releasing "new product lines" or firing an employee. Overall, the read averages out through the pages. Medium rare.
Some random notes follow.
His mottos: "The picture that I miss today I can never replicate tomorrow" and "Fear of failure is the best motivator for me".
Military service delayed his flight from Los Angeles to Kansas City by one day. And that was very lucky, because the flight collided with another plane and killed 128 people.
There was no photo on the cover of the NatGeo magazine originally and they drew some flak over putting it there in the 1950s. Funny to think that this might have been an issue for somebody. The photo on the cover is essential, now. "If god had intended a picture on the cover of National Geographic magazine, he would have put one there in the first place."
Eisenhower's 707 was the first aircraft to be dubbed Air Force One.
I'm not an avid fan of NatGeo stories, I prefer the video format, but it's a great standard format and you know that you get quality content. The main issue for me is the relevance and interest. There are only so many pictures of Africa or yet another "missing link" between Homo-this-and-Australopithecus-that I can watch without eyes glazing over. Sometimes it is almost like there is no scientific overwatch in the magazine, because there will always be another "missing link" between the found fossils.
But my favorite NatGeos were with fantastic space photos and I remember distinctly when my world changed because of one oversized starmap of the Galaxy and galaxy clusters and the Universe. The vast scale just blew my 10-year old mind. So even though I'm not an avid fan of every issue of the yellow magazine, I'm grateful for the few bright spots and the general work they do.
As follows, it's interesting to read about the history of this monument of journalism. The author of this autobiography is a 5th generation guardian and leader of NatGeo. His great-grandfather was Alexander Graham Bell. I guess one of the founders of the society as well. There were interesting family friends visiting, like an episode of the author's 12-year old grandfather eating ice cream with Roald Amundsen.
The author began reluctantly like his father before him, but eventually took over the family business of managing the magazine. Started out as a photographer and writer, met also his wife through the society and traveled all over the world looking at the rescue of Abu Simbel temple from the Aswan dam and hunting rabbits in the Serengeti, etc.
So there are some interesting stories from the past and some that are not so interesting. About the editorial decisions and business of releasing "new product lines" or firing an employee. Overall, the read averages out through the pages. Medium rare.
Some random notes follow.
His mottos: "The picture that I miss today I can never replicate tomorrow" and "Fear of failure is the best motivator for me".
Military service delayed his flight from Los Angeles to Kansas City by one day. And that was very lucky, because the flight collided with another plane and killed 128 people.
There was no photo on the cover of the NatGeo magazine originally and they drew some flak over putting it there in the 1950s. Funny to think that this might have been an issue for somebody. The photo on the cover is essential, now. "If god had intended a picture on the cover of National Geographic magazine, he would have put one there in the first place."
Eisenhower's 707 was the first aircraft to be dubbed Air Force One.
October 18, 2022
Like the author who, according to some biographies, “grew up Geographic,” the familiar yellow rectangle that represents the National Geographic magazine has been part of my entire life. Once, I was even on a plane to La Paz, BCS, Mexico when I realized most of the men on the plane were wearing black baseball caps with that logo. It took me a moment to realize they were all photographers on their way to meet the National Geographic Society’s boat for a photography excursion. My point in relating this is that reading about one of the men “behind the scenes” of one of my favorite institutions was a natural choice for me. I love biographies. I grew up on National Geographic magazine and the TV specials and I even had a subscription to National Geographic World, which was designed for kids, when I was ten. When something is imprinted with that yellow rectangle, you know you can trust it.
Gilbert M. Grosvenor is more than just a former president of the National Geographic Society. He’s a traveler, an explorer, a photographer, and educator, and a storyteller in the grandest sense of the word. In this book, with the help of the Society’s archivist Mark Jenkins, he tells his own story – how National Geographic literally runs in his veins, as his grandfather was a founding member and his father ran things before him. (He shares that he’s also a descendant of Alexander Graham Bell, but that’s really just a factoid thrown in to give context to his family history.)
Having read the book and listened to the audiobook, I feel like I’ve been steeped in Mr. Grosvenor’s story, but that’s not a bad thing. This book is well-paced and has a nice balance of adventures in the world (spending part of his army service as a photographer) and behind a desk (he was instrumental in creating that kids’ magazine, meant to be child-friendly without dumbing things down) . He shares anecdotes about meeting Jane Goodall and Robert Peary, but also tells how they managed to get inside photos of the Apollo missions even though Life Magazine had an exclusive contract with the astronauts. His writerly voice is full of wonder when he talks about Robert Ballard’s discovery of the sunken Titanic, and full of poignance when he discusses Koko the Gorilla and her use of language. While this book is very much the story of the magazine as we know it today, it’s equally the story of the man, Gilbert M. Grovesnor, who was instrumental in making it into the entity we all know and love.
Reading A Man of the World is like having the author sitting in your living room regaling you with tales of his adventures and experiences, and while it was a satisfying read, I felt myself wanting more, just because I enjoyed it so much.
Goes well with: a juicy streak, a baked potato, a simple salad, and a glass or two of Shiraz.
Gilbert M. Grosvenor is more than just a former president of the National Geographic Society. He’s a traveler, an explorer, a photographer, and educator, and a storyteller in the grandest sense of the word. In this book, with the help of the Society’s archivist Mark Jenkins, he tells his own story – how National Geographic literally runs in his veins, as his grandfather was a founding member and his father ran things before him. (He shares that he’s also a descendant of Alexander Graham Bell, but that’s really just a factoid thrown in to give context to his family history.)
Having read the book and listened to the audiobook, I feel like I’ve been steeped in Mr. Grosvenor’s story, but that’s not a bad thing. This book is well-paced and has a nice balance of adventures in the world (spending part of his army service as a photographer) and behind a desk (he was instrumental in creating that kids’ magazine, meant to be child-friendly without dumbing things down) . He shares anecdotes about meeting Jane Goodall and Robert Peary, but also tells how they managed to get inside photos of the Apollo missions even though Life Magazine had an exclusive contract with the astronauts. His writerly voice is full of wonder when he talks about Robert Ballard’s discovery of the sunken Titanic, and full of poignance when he discusses Koko the Gorilla and her use of language. While this book is very much the story of the magazine as we know it today, it’s equally the story of the man, Gilbert M. Grovesnor, who was instrumental in making it into the entity we all know and love.
Reading A Man of the World is like having the author sitting in your living room regaling you with tales of his adventures and experiences, and while it was a satisfying read, I felt myself wanting more, just because I enjoyed it so much.
Goes well with: a juicy streak, a baked potato, a simple salad, and a glass or two of Shiraz.
April 22, 2023
This was yet another one that I read for the book group that I lead, and I'm curious to see how the rest of the group will respond.
Personally, I enjoyed it... even though it's far from a page-turner. Gilbert Grosvenor was part of a long line of family members who played major roles in National Geographic (his great-grandfather, for example, was Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone and part of the original National Geographic Society), and so from a very young age until the time he wrote this book he had an up-close and personal view of many of the goings-on at the society, its magazine, the launch and varied success of its other projects, etc.
As I say, this one isn't a book that will keep you up at night, needing to know what happens next. Some memoirs read like novels, but this isn't one of them. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it might lose some readers who are looking for something a little more engaging. What he lacks in compelling narrative, though, he makes up for in completeness. Reading this book, you'll learn the names, the personalities, the conflicts, the successes, the failures, and everything else that went into building the National Geographic brand. He doesn't shy away from noting when two people's personality clashes hindered the business, or when someone's new idea took off in a big way despite that person having ideas that didn't necessarily match his own.
For those who like pictures to help illustrate a book like this, there are actually TWO inserts with dozens of photos -- some of the people who made it happen, and some of the most famous images that NG ever published. Even more photos would have been welcome, but at least in the digital age we can usually pull up an image in a few seconds if we're curious to see what he's talking about.
If I have any complaints, they're minor. It would have been nice if he were more clear about timelines; when talking about various events and eras, he's sometimes a little vague and says only that it happened in the '60s or the late '70s or whatever. I would have liked something a little more specific -- if not the actual date, then at least the year so that I can place it in context in my own mind.
And my other complaint isn't really a complaint. I loved reading about the behind-the-scenes action for some of NG's work, and while it was easy enough to track down images, I often found myself wishing it were so easy to pull up the actual articles, because I was quite curious to read them just as they were written, instead of just reading ABOUT them.
Personally, I enjoyed it... even though it's far from a page-turner. Gilbert Grosvenor was part of a long line of family members who played major roles in National Geographic (his great-grandfather, for example, was Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone and part of the original National Geographic Society), and so from a very young age until the time he wrote this book he had an up-close and personal view of many of the goings-on at the society, its magazine, the launch and varied success of its other projects, etc.
As I say, this one isn't a book that will keep you up at night, needing to know what happens next. Some memoirs read like novels, but this isn't one of them. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it might lose some readers who are looking for something a little more engaging. What he lacks in compelling narrative, though, he makes up for in completeness. Reading this book, you'll learn the names, the personalities, the conflicts, the successes, the failures, and everything else that went into building the National Geographic brand. He doesn't shy away from noting when two people's personality clashes hindered the business, or when someone's new idea took off in a big way despite that person having ideas that didn't necessarily match his own.
For those who like pictures to help illustrate a book like this, there are actually TWO inserts with dozens of photos -- some of the people who made it happen, and some of the most famous images that NG ever published. Even more photos would have been welcome, but at least in the digital age we can usually pull up an image in a few seconds if we're curious to see what he's talking about.
If I have any complaints, they're minor. It would have been nice if he were more clear about timelines; when talking about various events and eras, he's sometimes a little vague and says only that it happened in the '60s or the late '70s or whatever. I would have liked something a little more specific -- if not the actual date, then at least the year so that I can place it in context in my own mind.
And my other complaint isn't really a complaint. I loved reading about the behind-the-scenes action for some of NG's work, and while it was easy enough to track down images, I often found myself wishing it were so easy to pull up the actual articles, because I was quite curious to read them just as they were written, instead of just reading ABOUT them.
October 25, 2022
An Interesting and Enlightening Biography
SUMMARY
“You may not know my name, but chances are you have encountered my family legacy.” starts Gilbert Grosvenor in the prologue to his biographical story of his role at National Geographic. Grosvenor, a Yale graduate, followed in the footsteps of four generations of family members at the National Geographic Society, including his great-grandfather Alexander Graham Bell.
A Man of the World highlights Grosvenor’s family history as well as his rise through the ranks at National Geographic starting in 1954. Grosvenor was witness to six decades of exploration, and education by the National Geographic with the likes of Jane Goodall, Jacques Cousteau, Robert Peary and Louis Leakey. Grosvenor served as Editor, President and Chairman of the Society and shepherded the early days of evolution from a print media empire with the iconic yellow bordered gloss print magazine to also include a website, social media, television, books, film, and many other educational initiatives.
REVIEW
I loved getting my hands on those beautiful yellow bordered magazines each month. My father gave me a subscription as a Christmas gift when I was twelve, and I was forever enamored. The photography was awesome and I was soon dreaming of one day becoming a National Geographic photographer. Coincidentally, my first subscription occurred about the same time that Gilbert Grosvenor had become editor of the magazine.
One of my favorite stories Grosvenor shares in this book was his 1979 invitation to an expedition to the North Pole. That story had me hooked, not only did he dive under the North Pole ice, but while underwater he suspended himself upside down, and he took four steps on the underside of the North Pole ice. He had walked under the North Pole.
A Man of the World is an interesting and enlightening biography. I loved reading about the explorations sponsored by National Geographic, and especially appreciated the behind the scenes look at National Geographic’s management. I was disappointed to see that very few women had played any type of leadership role in the company. When Grosvenor finally recruited a highly qualified woman she was subsequently passed over for promotion by others and sadly forced to leave for a better offer.
I listened to the audiobook and would rate the overall performance as well as the pacing and inflection as good. National Geographic fans will love this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher National Geographic
Published September 13, 2022
Narrated Jason Culp
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
“You may not know my name, but chances are you have encountered my family legacy.” starts Gilbert Grosvenor in the prologue to his biographical story of his role at National Geographic. Grosvenor, a Yale graduate, followed in the footsteps of four generations of family members at the National Geographic Society, including his great-grandfather Alexander Graham Bell.
A Man of the World highlights Grosvenor’s family history as well as his rise through the ranks at National Geographic starting in 1954. Grosvenor was witness to six decades of exploration, and education by the National Geographic with the likes of Jane Goodall, Jacques Cousteau, Robert Peary and Louis Leakey. Grosvenor served as Editor, President and Chairman of the Society and shepherded the early days of evolution from a print media empire with the iconic yellow bordered gloss print magazine to also include a website, social media, television, books, film, and many other educational initiatives.
REVIEW
I loved getting my hands on those beautiful yellow bordered magazines each month. My father gave me a subscription as a Christmas gift when I was twelve, and I was forever enamored. The photography was awesome and I was soon dreaming of one day becoming a National Geographic photographer. Coincidentally, my first subscription occurred about the same time that Gilbert Grosvenor had become editor of the magazine.
One of my favorite stories Grosvenor shares in this book was his 1979 invitation to an expedition to the North Pole. That story had me hooked, not only did he dive under the North Pole ice, but while underwater he suspended himself upside down, and he took four steps on the underside of the North Pole ice. He had walked under the North Pole.
A Man of the World is an interesting and enlightening biography. I loved reading about the explorations sponsored by National Geographic, and especially appreciated the behind the scenes look at National Geographic’s management. I was disappointed to see that very few women had played any type of leadership role in the company. When Grosvenor finally recruited a highly qualified woman she was subsequently passed over for promotion by others and sadly forced to leave for a better offer.
I listened to the audiobook and would rate the overall performance as well as the pacing and inflection as good. National Geographic fans will love this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher National Geographic
Published September 13, 2022
Narrated Jason Culp
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
October 2, 2022
A Man of the World is a wonderful memoir about a man I knew nothing about but was familiar with... Like everyone else I have been entertained by National Geographic, spending hours pouring over my beautiful atlas, watching television specials, and reading the children's books to my kids. It is a brand that I believed I knew well, and yet I knew nothing about Gilbert Grosvenor and his family.
This man's life was predetermined in many ways. Both his father and grandfather were editors of National Geographic. They helped the adventurous journalists and photographers to explore the world and share it with the rest of us. In 1970, Grosvenor assumed the position of editor of National Geographic Magazine, where he served until 1980, when he became president of the National Geographic Society and then chairman of the board of trustees in 1987. He retired as president in 1996 and chairman in 2011, since which time he has served as an honorary director of The Explorers Club.
While serving in these positions he has seen the world, diving in Antarctica, exploring the mountains in India, and traveling with presidents. He has been given prestigious medals by Canada, Scotland, the USA and more, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He spent his life promoting conservation and investing in the innovative leaders of science, exploration, education and storytelling to protect our world.
It is impossible to read this book without coming out of it with a renewed respect for the man and the society that does so much for our world. It is also an enjoyable read that makes you want to travel more, learn more and do more.
This man's life was predetermined in many ways. Both his father and grandfather were editors of National Geographic. They helped the adventurous journalists and photographers to explore the world and share it with the rest of us. In 1970, Grosvenor assumed the position of editor of National Geographic Magazine, where he served until 1980, when he became president of the National Geographic Society and then chairman of the board of trustees in 1987. He retired as president in 1996 and chairman in 2011, since which time he has served as an honorary director of The Explorers Club.
While serving in these positions he has seen the world, diving in Antarctica, exploring the mountains in India, and traveling with presidents. He has been given prestigious medals by Canada, Scotland, the USA and more, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He spent his life promoting conservation and investing in the innovative leaders of science, exploration, education and storytelling to protect our world.
It is impossible to read this book without coming out of it with a renewed respect for the man and the society that does so much for our world. It is also an enjoyable read that makes you want to travel more, learn more and do more.
October 4, 2022
Very interesting and informative! Fun read overall!
At some point, you’ve likely interacted with the Grosvenor family legacy. Through a book, network series, or just by picking up a yellow bordered magazine, you’ve probably had some experience with National Geographic. But what about the editor of the magazine? You likely have no idea about him or the adventures that he has been on with the magazine. From artic diving to mountain climbing, he’s not only published about it, but he has also experienced it. With generations of experience before him, he truly is a man of the world.
I love reading memoirs and this was no different. Learning about the man and the family that has been at the helm of National Geographic for generations was eye opening and entertaining. From learning about family experiences to seeing what goes on behind the camera and the printing press. I think my favorite parts may have been the decisions behind the cover photos that have built legacies for the magazine. If you have been a fan of National Geographic, I highly recommend this book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
At some point, you’ve likely interacted with the Grosvenor family legacy. Through a book, network series, or just by picking up a yellow bordered magazine, you’ve probably had some experience with National Geographic. But what about the editor of the magazine? You likely have no idea about him or the adventures that he has been on with the magazine. From artic diving to mountain climbing, he’s not only published about it, but he has also experienced it. With generations of experience before him, he truly is a man of the world.
I love reading memoirs and this was no different. Learning about the man and the family that has been at the helm of National Geographic for generations was eye opening and entertaining. From learning about family experiences to seeing what goes on behind the camera and the printing press. I think my favorite parts may have been the decisions behind the cover photos that have built legacies for the magazine. If you have been a fan of National Geographic, I highly recommend this book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
December 21, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this one. The adventure tales, though I wish there were more, are great. The look into the history of a famed organization I'm a fan of was also cool, as was some insider info on how a magazine is made.
On the other side of the coin, it often skipped adventure tales by people other than the author with a scant mention and in favor of lots of name dropping. That side of it feels a big self-aggrandizing. It also gets a bit long - it begins to drag in sections with so many names of people he met/knows/etc. that you sort of lose track of it all. I think in part that is because this author is of such a rarified world, he's a little out of touch with who might read this. He wasn't born on third thinking he hit a triple - he was born at home plate but expects us to be surpised when they employ him (and continuously promote him until he's in charge). That part - annoying. The author seems very intelligent and accomplished, but doesn't really talk about his success being built on a foundation of incredible privilege (he talks about the mansions and islands and multiple houses, but not in an introspective way).
That said, the book was engaging enough it made me want to start reading the magazine again and I hit up the website as I was reading.
On the other side of the coin, it often skipped adventure tales by people other than the author with a scant mention and in favor of lots of name dropping. That side of it feels a big self-aggrandizing. It also gets a bit long - it begins to drag in sections with so many names of people he met/knows/etc. that you sort of lose track of it all. I think in part that is because this author is of such a rarified world, he's a little out of touch with who might read this. He wasn't born on third thinking he hit a triple - he was born at home plate but expects us to be surpised when they employ him (and continuously promote him until he's in charge). That part - annoying. The author seems very intelligent and accomplished, but doesn't really talk about his success being built on a foundation of incredible privilege (he talks about the mansions and islands and multiple houses, but not in an introspective way).
That said, the book was engaging enough it made me want to start reading the magazine again and I hit up the website as I was reading.
September 15, 2022
I remember as a young child grabbing National Geographic Magazine when it was available whether at my grandparents' house, the doctor's office or the library reading the same issues over and over. The author of this book Gilbert Grosvenor who when he became president of the National Geographic Society was the third Grosvenor and fifth person from the family to hold this position. Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was a founding member of the Society? Throughout this book the growth of the magazine and the non-profit society is explored as to how it expanded and how it was the funding for many new explorers and researchers. Along the way various adventures are included with trips across the world, up in space and down in the ocean. This Society and magazine have had a down the middle non-political presentations over the many years while bringing it members articles and beautiful pictures. Give this book a read it should not disappoint.
October 1, 2022
I hadn’t realized that National Geographic was such a family affair. In reading Mr. Grosvenor’s book I have now learned that he is the fifth generation of the same family to have run the organization and he served quite some time ago. But geography was his passion and he was committed to it.
The book does not read like a boring biography but rather like a travelogue which makes sense when you think about it. I also didn’t know about the relationship of the magazine and family to Alexander Graham Bell – he was the great grandfather to the author.
So many interesting tidbits throughout from the famous people profiled within the pages of the magazine and of course the stunning photos always included in any issue. All in all a refreshing turn from my normal reading and one I was glad to include in this month’s schedule. It would make an awesome gift for anyone on your list who loves travel and of course, National Geographic.
4.5
The book does not read like a boring biography but rather like a travelogue which makes sense when you think about it. I also didn’t know about the relationship of the magazine and family to Alexander Graham Bell – he was the great grandfather to the author.
So many interesting tidbits throughout from the famous people profiled within the pages of the magazine and of course the stunning photos always included in any issue. All in all a refreshing turn from my normal reading and one I was glad to include in this month’s schedule. It would make an awesome gift for anyone on your list who loves travel and of course, National Geographic.
4.5
October 8, 2022
Gilbert Grosvenor was the fifth generation to run National Geographic! In this world sized memoir he shares the story of Nat Geo from the beginning and how much it changed over the years and just how close to the ends of the earth they really go for that one photo or video! It is filled with great stories and packed full of great pictures.
Now that Nat Geo is on Disney+ we watch it all the time! I’m glad that we have such easy access to watch amazing shows where we can learn about places and animals and adventures we had never even thought about. If you need a Christmas present for a fellow traveler or explorer this is it! My Dad is already waiting on his copy from me!
Now that Nat Geo is on Disney+ we watch it all the time! I’m glad that we have such easy access to watch amazing shows where we can learn about places and animals and adventures we had never even thought about. If you need a Christmas present for a fellow traveler or explorer this is it! My Dad is already waiting on his copy from me!
December 12, 2022
What a fascinating story of how the National Geographic Society came into existence! Living outside of America, I didn’t get to see very much how the magazine itself has evolved over the years. It is indeed amazing to learn about the role it has played in the lives of J Cousteau, Jane Goodall, the Leakeys etc. I really enjoyed this book!
September 23, 2023
Sad ending to an Washington institution.
October 6, 2023
A good history of the Natl Geographic.Some interesting history in here!
February 26, 2024
Awesome read about travel & business. He was the top man at National Geographic and lived in Cape Breton. Super cool story
March 13, 2023
Interesting. I liked the author's travel stories more than his account of running NatGeo as a business, although as I subscriber I appreciated the inside look. The author is definitely from a different generation than me, which was noticeable in his insistence that nepotism is a good thing and that memorizing the names of the great lakes is an essential skill for young people. All in all, it felt like an engaging read written by a grandfatherly type. And yes, it did make me want to quit my job and work as a NatGeo photographer (a role for which I have not qualifications)
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