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Seven Yorkshire Tales
This illustrated book contains ten stories taken from the books of the world-famous vet who lived and worked in North Yorkshire for over 50 years.
84 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
2 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
268 books3,373 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 21, 2023
It is a strange thing trying to unravel my opinion of this book from the feeling I have for what it represents to me. For starters James Herriot was one of the favourite authors of my late uncle a make of the open spaces and really I guess a kindred spirit of the titular veterinary. Then there is the fact I grew up on the TV series from the 1980s - the world wound come to a stop when the show was on - prompting a quick shooing off to bed once it had finished.
So here I am not many years later reading some of the short stories that became some of the most famous episodes of that time - and I have to say that they are just as vivid and powerful now was they were then. The raw beauty of the landscape, the simple honestly of the people portrayed and a love for job that rapidly became more than just a job
These stories feel as thought they hark back to a simpler time - no doubt fuelled by my childhood as I am in no doubt they were just as harsh and trying (if not more so) than they are today. So yes a very poignant read this one.
So here I am not many years later reading some of the short stories that became some of the most famous episodes of that time - and I have to say that they are just as vivid and powerful now was they were then. The raw beauty of the landscape, the simple honestly of the people portrayed and a love for job that rapidly became more than just a job
These stories feel as thought they hark back to a simpler time - no doubt fuelled by my childhood as I am in no doubt they were just as harsh and trying (if not more so) than they are today. So yes a very poignant read this one.
September 6, 2015
Seven short stories in this Penguin 60s book, taken from James Herriot's veterinary story books.
Articulately written, generally uplifting semi-autobiographical stories of his life as a vet in Yorkshire. The blurb says these stories formed the background for the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small, but I have never seen it.
These were a pretty enjoyable read, but no really in my genre of interest, but I can't rate them down for that.
Well worth a look if you are interested in vet stories!
Articulately written, generally uplifting semi-autobiographical stories of his life as a vet in Yorkshire. The blurb says these stories formed the background for the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small, but I have never seen it.
These were a pretty enjoyable read, but no really in my genre of interest, but I can't rate them down for that.
Well worth a look if you are interested in vet stories!
December 18, 2016
Libro di racconti di uno dei miei autori preferiti rispolverato per Natale dopo oltre 15 anni dalla sua lettura.
Le storie di James Herriot hanno sempre quel fascino fiabesco che colpisce a qualsiasi età, ma la consapevolezza raggiunta in questi anni riguardo alla sua esistenza, maturata con la lettura di altre sue opere arrivate da noi, l'ha reso in qualche modo ancora più speciale.
Un titolo imperdibile per tutti gli amanti degli animali... come tutti i libri di James Herriot.
Le storie di James Herriot hanno sempre quel fascino fiabesco che colpisce a qualsiasi età, ma la consapevolezza raggiunta in questi anni riguardo alla sua esistenza, maturata con la lettura di altre sue opere arrivate da noi, l'ha reso in qualche modo ancora più speciale.
Un titolo imperdibile per tutti gli amanti degli animali... come tutti i libri di James Herriot.
March 2, 2011
Animali e uomini
La campagna,un veterinario, gli animali. Un libro appassionante e caldo. Consigliato
La campagna,un veterinario, gli animali. Un libro appassionante e caldo. Consigliato
December 1, 2016
Marvellously evocative..
December 31, 2020
This had been on my shelf for years and years. Grabbed it because it was a short, easy read to complete my challenge for the year.
A perfectly, cosy and enjoyable read 😁 Perfect to end the year on!
A perfectly, cosy and enjoyable read 😁 Perfect to end the year on!
August 20, 2022
I’m a big fan of the new All Creatures Great and Small series, and was pleased when I received this little collection of James Herriot’s short stories as a gift earlier this year.
Herriot’s writing style is deceptively simple, and his love for the landscape and people of Yorkshire comes across in his prose. I was brought up in the neighbouring county of Lancashire, and am almost as familiar with the white rose as I am the red, having spent many days exploring the Yorkshire countryside. Herriot has a remarkable ability to encapsulate a strong sense of place in very few words, and many times I felt I was there with him among the dales and fells.
There’s no doubt a vet’s life can be hard, and many client visits must end in disappointment and sorrow. Thankfully, the stories in this little book all have happy endings. There are ten stories in the collection, each easily read in a spare twenty minutes. The last one, There’s Christmas - and Christmas, is particularly delightful.
I can recommend this book as a great introduction to Herriot’s writing. Those familiar with either the new series or the original will find great pleasure in reading these little tales.
Herriot’s writing style is deceptively simple, and his love for the landscape and people of Yorkshire comes across in his prose. I was brought up in the neighbouring county of Lancashire, and am almost as familiar with the white rose as I am the red, having spent many days exploring the Yorkshire countryside. Herriot has a remarkable ability to encapsulate a strong sense of place in very few words, and many times I felt I was there with him among the dales and fells.
There’s no doubt a vet’s life can be hard, and many client visits must end in disappointment and sorrow. Thankfully, the stories in this little book all have happy endings. There are ten stories in the collection, each easily read in a spare twenty minutes. The last one, There’s Christmas - and Christmas, is particularly delightful.
I can recommend this book as a great introduction to Herriot’s writing. Those familiar with either the new series or the original will find great pleasure in reading these little tales.
January 3, 2023
Siete un po' giù e una carezza sarebbe gradita? il vostro comfort food sono le lasagne ma siete a dieta? ecco quello che fa per voi: il perfetto comfort book.
Sono racconti con protagonisti gli animali, nella meravigliosa cornice dei Dales dello Yorkshire, commoventi, divertenti, corti e mai noiosi o stucchevoli. Bellissime le illustrazioni.
L'unico difetto? Manca un racconto con protagonista un gatto.
Sono racconti con protagonisti gli animali, nella meravigliosa cornice dei Dales dello Yorkshire, commoventi, divertenti, corti e mai noiosi o stucchevoli. Bellissime le illustrazioni.
L'unico difetto? Manca un racconto con protagonista un gatto.
April 5, 2019
Enjoyed reading these semi-biographical stories of James Herriot telling of his life as a vet in Yorkshire. Painted a beautiful picture of his life there and some of the various farmers he met and came to know.
May 9, 2023
I love the TV series based on these books (All Creatures Great and Small) and was excited to finally read a Herriot book. It was just as sweet and engaging as the show. Would highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by Herriot.
October 14, 2018
Toimivia iltasatuja itselle, vaikka Herriot suuremmissa paloissa toimiikin paremmin itselle.
December 28, 2019
Who could not enjoy reading James Herriot! Beautiful storytelling at it best.
July 18, 2020
A beautiful little book.
April 29, 2021
A delightful read which took me back to my childhood. I loved the descriptions and stories of the people, places and animals James Herriot encountered.
August 18, 2022
A delightful array of stories by a country vet.
September 14, 2022
Comfort book
December 18, 2022
Herriotovky sú vždy stávka na istotu, hlavne ak si chcem pripomenúť, že na svete nie je tak zle.
May 6, 2023
Une lecture attachante, relaxante et bucolique.
June 12, 2024
This book was wonderful. Lots of beautiful little illustrations. The stories are
interesting and I learnt about farming and farm animals.
interesting and I learnt about farming and farm animals.
September 26, 2024
Really fun short stories. Emotional, humourous, very human. The author has a way with words; biting, hilarious, and then very poignant.
October 16, 2025
It was okay, but not for me really.
April 12, 2014
These seven tales provide a pleasant sample from the bools by the famous vet, James Herriot. With much love, a sharp eye for detail and an elegant turn of phrase he provides an insight into the life of a Yorkshire vet. His books from the nineteen seventies were hugely popular, and rightly so. With the right balance between success and animal deaths, treating animals and observing their humans, Herriot shines a special light on man's involvement with nature. A pure joy.
Herriot se staaltjies uit sy tyd as veearts in Yorkshire belig mense en hul verhoudings met diere op 'n liefdevolle manier, sonder om probleme te verdoesel. Sy roem berus op sy fyn waarneming van mense en diere, asook sy trefsekere skryfstyl. Suiwer plesier.
Herriot se staaltjies uit sy tyd as veearts in Yorkshire belig mense en hul verhoudings met diere op 'n liefdevolle manier, sonder om probleme te verdoesel. Sy roem berus op sy fyn waarneming van mense en diere, asook sy trefsekere skryfstyl. Suiwer plesier.
October 11, 2015
James Herriot's Yorkshire Stories by James Herriot (St. Martin's Press 1995) (914.28). This is an all-star selection of stories about a country vet's life in England from the “All Creatures” books. My rating: 7/10, finished 1999.
December 9, 2010
I've always enjoyed watching "All Creatures Great and Small", and the books convey the love James Herriot aka Alf Wight had for his profession, the people and the animals he worked with. Highly enjoyable read.
May 1, 2008
Brought tears to my eyes twice over: pretty good going for such a short book.
December 11, 2012
A fantastic introduction to James Herriot's tales. I love animals, veterinary surgery interests me and I thoroughly enjoyed his warm and simple style. This has definitely left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews