The classic multimillion copy bestseller Delve into the magical, unforgettable world of James Herriot, the world's most beloved veterinarian, and his menagerie of heartwarming, funny, and tragic animal patients. When this book was first published, it was merely a simple volume of memoirs by an unknown Scottish veterinarian. But within a year, the book became recognized as a masterpiece. And in the three decades that followed, Dr. Herriot has become one of the most universally loved authors of our time. In this first volume of memoirs, then-newly-qualified vet James Herriot arrives in the small Yorkshire village of Darrowby and he has no idea what to expect. How will he get on with his new boss? With the local farmers? And what will the animals think? This program is filled with hilarious and touching tales of the unpredictable Siegfried Farnon, Siegfried's zany brother, Tristan, and Herriot's first encounters with a beautiful girl called Helen. Now as then, All Creatures Great and Small is full of humor, warmth, pathos, drama, and James Herriot's love of life. His journey across the Yorkshire dales, and his encounters with humans and dogs, cows, and kittens are lovingly told by Christopher Timothy with all the fascination, affection, and joy that suffuses Dr. Herriot's work.
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"I loved this book. The whole story was so positive. The author was so enamored with his life, his job, his surroundings and the characters, that you had to love it all too. I felt like I was there in the hills with him many times. I have no idea why I waited so long to read this book, but I enjoyed every page!"
— Candy (5 out of 5 stars)
Herriot charms because he delights in life, embraces it with sensitivity and gust and writes with grace. All Creatures Great And Small may well be the happiest book of the year.
— The New York Times Book ReviewIf there is any justice, All Creatures Great And Small will become a classic of its kind...With seemingly effortless art, this man tells his stories with perfect timing and optimum scale. Many more famous authors could work for a lifetime and not achieve more flawless literary control.
— Chicago Tribune Book World“One of the funniest and most likeable books around.
— Atlantic Monthly" Great laughs and characters you’ll fall in like with. James Herriot is a great story teller and has a way of bringing the listener into the story. Prepare to laugh! I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend. "
— Cyndi Van Smith, 9/16/2022" One of our favorite stories, but poor quality of recording. Seems as if copied from scratched disc. "
— Teresa, 7/24/2018" I loved these books by James Herriot. A fascinating look at life in England at that time and vet medicine. "
— Glennie, 2/11/2014" I first read this in the Reader's Digest when I was stuck in a relative's home with nothing to read. I immediately loved it. The Yorkshire setting is beautifully described, the characters fully drawn and the animal stories very realistic. A wonderfully comforting book to read. "
— Nicky, 2/5/2014" This ranks as one of my favorite books :) Herriot's adventures in the countryside as he starts his veterinary practice are full of warmth, humor, compassion, & above all, his deep love for the animals & the clients he cares for. "
— Lisa, 1/31/2014" Such a cozy read. I love this book. It is a favorite of my mom's and as such I have fond memories of her reading it and I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting it. "
— Adam, 1/23/2014" Really like this book, third time I read it now. "
— Marie-louise, 1/12/2014" Very, very good narration by Christopher Timothy. I enjoyed every book in the series! "
— Brenda, 12/31/2013" Read this years ago - every animal lover should read this. Delightful! "
— Roxanne, 12/24/2013" Just re-read for the first time in about 30 years! "
— Ali, 12/13/2013" this book totally makes you want to move to the Yorkshire dales "
— Donald, 11/15/2013" One of my fave books from my childhood. As an animal lover, I recommend this as a mandatory read. Great stories and so fun to be transported back in time. "
— Tracy, 10/18/2013" My favorite book as a kid! "
— Jeri, 8/29/2013" Read the whole series as a child, still own them! "
— Dreamer, 6/18/2013" This is a book I seem to never want to pick up and then when I do, I love it. "
— Katehintx, 5/5/2013" A classic - good summer book. Not as much about animals as I had expected, but interesting and amusing characters. Tricki Woo, Siegfried were favorites. It's obvious that Herriot loves his job, and he gives an expert account of being a country vet. "
— Vanessa, 4/30/2013" This was such a great book! I listened to the audio version and it was completely enjoyable. I was surprised how often it made me laugh out loud. Why haven't I read the book before now?! Highly recommended! "
— Robin, 4/1/2013" A beautiful, truthful ode to village life and love for . . . all creatures great and small. "
— Indra, 3/17/2013" If I run out of books to read- I can always go back to any of his series and read again. His stories are real. I can read them even when I'm tired-don't have to concentrate too much, so good to read when your stressed and want to relax. "
— Carrie, 2/18/2013" I'd forgotten just how much I enjoy his stories. Now I need to read the other ones! "
— Wendy, 1/27/2013" Read as a kid. Both the books and the tv series were entertaining and in some respects educational "
— Rayb24, 1/27/2013" I LOVE James Herriot's stories! What an amazing life he led. I still laugh at stories I've read and re-read for years on end. Small-town, salt of the earth fun. "
— Amber, 8/28/2012" Love any story which involves the plight of animals and those human beings who are taking care of their needs "
— Neil, 6/9/2012" Very sweet story about a Scottish vet living in the English countryside. His sense of humor is like no other I've ever read. This man is a true story teller. "
— Cindy, 3/31/2012" Love the simplicity of this book, and love the author's dry British humor and storytelling!!!! This is a must for animal- and nature-lovers! "
— Allison, 11/13/2011" A very easy, fun, lightweight, and heartwarming true story! "
— Dave, 7/20/2011" Love this series! Maybe especially due to my background with animals and my experience as a Vet nure, but still...Love them! "
— Julia, 6/9/2011" I have read all of his books and love them. Wish they would come out for the kindle. "
— Tammy, 3/6/2011" If you want to get an insight into the world of veterinans, e.g. the medical care required for the treament of animals and some of the deadyly animal diseases during the late 1930's this is the book for you. If you just want stories that revolve around animals then this too is the book for you. "
— Rudy, 2/1/2011" Wonderful Animal Stories - two for the price of one! This is a keeper. "
— Erika, 1/23/2011" Really good book when reading for a short time...each chapter is a completely different story so you could open to the center of the book and understand everything. "
— Jess, 1/12/2011" Great stories by a great story teller. Laugh out loud funny. "
— Barbara, 1/3/2011" Great Book. Loved the whole series "
— Cathy, 10/16/2010" One of my very favorite feel-good books. I don't even know how many times I've reread this book and the others in the series! "
— Shannon, 9/23/2010" James Herriot will always remind me of my mom. We used to watch the TV series on PBS when I was in elementary school. The books are just as great! "
— Lisa, 1/30/2010" I wanted to be a vet for years of childhood. I loved James Herriot and this was my favorite. "
— Heather, 1/26/2010" Good for any child who has dreams of being a veterinarian! "
— Elizabeth, 1/9/2010James Herriot (1916-1995) was the bestselling author of memoirs, including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All, and Every Living Thing. At age twenty-three, he qualified for veterinary practice with the Glasgow Veterinary College and moved to the town of Thirsk in Yorkshire to work in a rural practice. He would live in, work in, and write about the region for the rest of his life. Though he dreamed for years of writing a book, his veterinary work and his family kept him busy, and he did not start writing until the age of fifty. In 1979, he was awarded the title Order of the British Empire (OBE). His veterinary practice in Yorkshire, England, is now tended by his son, Jim Wight.
Christopher Timothy starred as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small, the internationally renowned BBC television series based on Herriot’s work. A veteran of stage, screen, and television, Timothy is a winner of the prestigious Sir John Gielgud Scholarship and the Sir Laurence Olivier Award. He also coproduced and starred in a critically acclaimed film version of James Herriot’s Yorkshire.