Herriot, James. All Creatures Great and Small. Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot (James Alfred Wight) began his career in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930's; he fell in love with the area and remained there until his death. His stories of his adventures with both animals and farmers are delightfully funny. Herriot's ability to laugh at himself only adds to the charm of this series of books based on his experiences.
A book that will leave you smiling and wishing you could have met James, Siegfried, Tristan, and other people and animals from the surrounding area of Darrowby. An all time favorite, re-reading it was a pleasure.
Memoir. 1972. 437 pages.
Man...this brings back memories!! I read this in jr. high and loved it! I think I still have my copies. I will have to save them. My 5 year old daughter has it in her head she wants to be a "pet doctor"!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the books, but I have watched the BBC television series, at least seasons one and two, many, many times and each and every time I come away feeling profoundly moved. If you haven't seen them, I highly recommend it. Many libraries have video or DVD versions of it as does Netflix. Wonderful stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me, I just went over to Netflix and added Season One to my queue...it has been a few years. I'm so excited and am really looking forward to seeing them again!
ReplyDeleteI loved those books! Such a pleasure to read the stories of a humane and humorous veterinarian!
ReplyDeleteI just might reread them myself.
I loved both the books and the TV series as a child. Lovely. Thanks for reminding me of them!
ReplyDeleteThis brings me back, too. I remember feeling like I knew James, Siegfried, Tristan, Helen, and all of the people in Darrowby, too. I think I mentioned it before, but I'm planning to re-read all the James Herriot books with my sons.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - I love that your daughter wants to be a "pet doctor" -- what a great name for a vet!
ReplyDeleteCarl - I watched the series years ago (had already read the books) and have also added them to my Netflix que. The fellow who played Tristan was also Dr. Who at one time!
Quixotic - It is nice to remember them, isn't it? Most people who either read the books or watched the series have fond memories of them.
G.R. - Yes, and what a great idea! This is the sort of thing you want to share with your kids.
I haven't read these and didn't ever intend to, but darn, your review is so convincing. My husband read them years ago and shared some of the stories with me.
ReplyDeleteOh Jenclair, I feel so nostalgic reading your post...James Herriot was my mom's favorite author. As I was growing up, his books would be all over our house and maa would read them over and over. When I speak to her next I must ask her where all those books went to.
ReplyDeleteWow! It's been ages, but I remember loving this book. Might have to put it on the re-read list. Thanks for the flashback :-)
ReplyDeleteCheya - You'd love them!
ReplyDeleteLotus - I don't believe I've ever read an author with wider appeal; I agree with your mother, they deserve to be read again and again.
SuziQ - Even if you just re-read one, it's worth the time!
aaahhh I'll be back in Yorkshire in a couple of months. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to the Dales? If not, I think Herriot is one of the best ways to visit on the cheap!
I noticed that actor Christopher Timothy reads the audiobooks. Since he was Herriot for me because of the tv series, I can't imagine anyone else voicing the books. I found this DVD, "James Herriot's Yorkshire [2006]" on the Amazon UK site.
ReplyDeleteAlas, it is only available in PAL format which means I can't easily play it here in the USA. Still researching though.
Arukiyomi - Lucky you! I've been through there on the way to Edinburgh, but have not spent much time. I'd love to be able to stay in the area for a while and take it all in.
ReplyDeleteCamile - I've joined Carl in adding the BBC series to my Netflix que; not quite the same, but lovely!
I did know that Tristan was one of the doctors, but I've never seen any of those episodes of Dr. Who.
ReplyDeleteI grew up reading him, and years later I can't seem to stop.
ReplyDeleteWarms the heart.
Carl - Peter Davison was the 5th Dr. Who. He followed Tom Baker. There have been 9 versions of Dr. Who over the years!
ReplyDeleteAnil - Herriot's style and humor does have a lasting appeal. He really was a rare individual and a talented writer. Visited your blog and loved all of your photographs!
I only recently read Herriot for the first time last fall. I've read 3 of the 4 books, and enjoyed every page.
ReplyDeletebybee - they are a joy!
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