A Dog's Life [Hardcover]

Martin Clunes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 2008

Martin Clunes is happy to admit that with Mary, it was love at first sight; her soft, brown eyes, her perfect figure and that unstoppable wagging tail. As cocker spaniels go, she was perfect. Mary was soon joined in the Clunes' household by Tina, another cocker, and Arthur, a black Labrador. Reminiscent of Marley & Me, the dynamics between the three dogs makes hilarious reading—puppy classes, Scrufts, and the competition for top dog status (and even Martin has to fight for this), which leads to visits from a dog psychologist. His passion for dogs inspired Martin to embark on a journey of discovery about their ancestors, both wild—the painted dogs of Tanzania—and extremely tame—the members of the Beverley Hills Mutt Club. With his trademark warmth and humor, Martin describes meeting a worldwide cast of doggie characters, and how humans have shaped the dog world as we know it today. One thing is certain—he will never see Mary, Tina, and Arthur in quite the same way again.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'[A Dog's Life is] Martin Clunes's charming, sensible exploration of the noble bond between man and dog' -- Telegraph 'An endearing account of the Clunes' family struggle to instil peace between their warring cocker spaniels, while Martin traces how his dogs' wild ancestors became the pampered pets of today' -- Woman & Home 'Martin embarked on a world-wide quest to explore the history of dogs. This book is Martin's account of his discoveries, told with his own brand of warmth and humor' -- Sun 'This fond, funny and endearing book is a must for all dog lovers' -- Dogs Monthly 'Part memoir, part canine love affair, Clunes tells an engaging tale of life in the country with beloved dogs... A lovely read' -- AND magazine 'Compelling reading and full of surprises' -- Weekly News 'An endearing read through which we learn about Martin and his family, and the world of dogs' -- NFU Countryside --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Martin Clunes is the star of British TV series Men Behaving Badly and the voice of Kipper the Dog.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (September 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340977043
• ISBN-13: 978-0340977040
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #427,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Dog" Martin, November 14, 2009

By 

C. Scott Harrison - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dog's Life (Paperback)

My wife loved this book. She also loves the series Doc Martin. So, I'm figurin' she probably loves Martin Clunes too.

I must confess, I love dogs also. In fact, it is one of my strongest requisites in a friend. If you love dogs, you're okay... If not...?

My wife says you should buy this book. My two cats aren't so keen on it, but then they're only cats.

State-side Viewer

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dog's life, September 22, 2008

By 

Jules (London UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Dog's Life (Hardcover)

Warm hearted and very readable. A great fireside indulgence. You will enjoy the daft relationship Martin has with his fourlegged friends. You learn quite a lot about the man as well as some interesting facts about his dogs.He is honest and self effacing and he comes over as the sort of guy you would want to be your bestfriend.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, funny, interesting book!, June 8, 2010

By 

C. Jones "bascelflt" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dog's Life (Paperback)

We are fans of Martin Clunes which is how I discovered this book. We love "Doc Martin" and "William and Mary". The book is full of good information on the evolution of dogs into our house pets and what the dogs in his life mean to him. Light reading but very interesting. I have purchased 2 extra copies as gifts for my dog loving friends. They have also said they enjoyed reading it.