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Celebrating All Creatures Great & Small: For the Love of the Yorkshire Dales
The official All Creatures Great & Small companion, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the award-winning show, with beautiful photography throughout.
‘All Creatures Great & Small is the loveliest place in (fictional) Britain.’ The Telegraph
‘The show that heals cows and soothes souls.’ The New York Times
Featuring hundreds of spectacular shots from all four series, plus an in-depth look at the characters and real-life inspiration for the show, this book tells the fascinating story of the programme’s main the Yorkshire Dales.
Packed full of heartwarming photographs of the landscape, the set and the characters, as well as soundbites from the cast, this is everything you need to know about James and Helen Herriot, the beloved setting of Skeldale House and, of course, the animals.
Lavish, celebratory and richly detailed, this is an unmissable and sumptuous guide to All Creatures Great & Small, which showcases how Darrowby and its inhabitants have paid homage to such an incredible heritage. The perfect book for anyone with an interest in the Yorkshire Dales and James Herriot.
Foreword written by Rosie Page, James Herriot’s daughter.
‘All Creatures Great & Small is the loveliest place in (fictional) Britain.’ The Telegraph
‘The show that heals cows and soothes souls.’ The New York Times
Featuring hundreds of spectacular shots from all four series, plus an in-depth look at the characters and real-life inspiration for the show, this book tells the fascinating story of the programme’s main the Yorkshire Dales.
Packed full of heartwarming photographs of the landscape, the set and the characters, as well as soundbites from the cast, this is everything you need to know about James and Helen Herriot, the beloved setting of Skeldale House and, of course, the animals.
Lavish, celebratory and richly detailed, this is an unmissable and sumptuous guide to All Creatures Great & Small, which showcases how Darrowby and its inhabitants have paid homage to such an incredible heritage. The perfect book for anyone with an interest in the Yorkshire Dales and James Herriot.
Foreword written by Rosie Page, James Herriot’s daughter.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 26, 2025
A fascinating look behind the scenes at one of my favorite shows on television!! I learned so many fun facts and interesting anecdotes, about the real-life people, the actors, the animals, the town... ALL of it! Definitely worth a read for any "All Creatures" fan.
January 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just in time for another series of the hit PBS show, All Creatures Great and Small, comes this book/audiobook celebrating the past and current series. It’s lovely, just lovely, as it walks through the show’s four seasons in comparison to the James Herriot books they are based upon.
I’ve mentioned here on my blog previously how much I loved the books growing up. I think I was about 13 years old when I first read the original book. I distinctly remember re-reading the first book when pregnant with my firstborn and laughing so hard, reading sections to my husband because he was wondering what was causing that reaction. The current show is also a comfort series for me, always premiering around my birthday, I’d like to think of as a special present just for me. 🙂
This audiobook features several narrators, and they all do an admirable job with the text, providing the history of the books, they layout of the Yorkshire Dales, how the previous show from the 1970s and 1980s was done versus the current show, how the current show is shot, really, anything you’d want to know about this stellar production is included in this book!
I am going to get the physical book because of the pictures, as I love having television companion books in my personal collection. If you’re a fan of the All Creatures Great and Small television show, I’d highly recommend checking this book out!
Just in time for another series of the hit PBS show, All Creatures Great and Small, comes this book/audiobook celebrating the past and current series. It’s lovely, just lovely, as it walks through the show’s four seasons in comparison to the James Herriot books they are based upon.
I’ve mentioned here on my blog previously how much I loved the books growing up. I think I was about 13 years old when I first read the original book. I distinctly remember re-reading the first book when pregnant with my firstborn and laughing so hard, reading sections to my husband because he was wondering what was causing that reaction. The current show is also a comfort series for me, always premiering around my birthday, I’d like to think of as a special present just for me. 🙂
This audiobook features several narrators, and they all do an admirable job with the text, providing the history of the books, they layout of the Yorkshire Dales, how the previous show from the 1970s and 1980s was done versus the current show, how the current show is shot, really, anything you’d want to know about this stellar production is included in this book!
I am going to get the physical book because of the pictures, as I love having television companion books in my personal collection. If you’re a fan of the All Creatures Great and Small television show, I’d highly recommend checking this book out!
February 16, 2025
A nice gentle read, quite padded out with Yorkshire history but the links to the TV series are tenuous at times.
January 15, 2025
Debra Gaynor debg121254@gmail.col
BookMark www.hancockclarion.com
Book Reviews By Debra www.facebook.com/bookreviewsbydebra
I have read the original books by James Herriot over and over. They leave me with a good feeling. Perhaps it is humor, maybe it is the animals, or it could be the simpler time. James Alfred “Alf” Wight, aka James Herriot, was born in 1916. Although he was exempt from service he served as a pilot in WWII. In 1968, 50-year-old Wight began to write. His first book “If Only They Cold Talk” was published in 1970. His books offer readers stories concerning animals. One of my favorite stories concerns Strawberry Cows. I have never heard of Strawberry Cows and still would like to see a picture of one.
I was so excited to listen to Celebrating All Creatures Great & Small. The daughter of James Herriot wrote the foreword for this book. She offers insight into her father. This book is more about the PBS series than a repeat of the original stories. PBS has a show featuring the delightful stories of James Herriot and his adventures as a veterinarian. The main character is played by Nicholas Ralph. The stories have been adapted for the new series, but they still offer the viewer the warmth of the series from the past. The viewer travels to Darrowby, a fictional village where they meet the cast playing the characters from the original books. This book shares information about how the series is made and bits and pieces concerning the actors. It introduces listeners to the setting, the landscape and of course the animals. The listeners visit Skeldale House, the home of the Wights. There are several narrators for this book, and they are all very talented. Deborah Balm and Nathaniel Priestley do an exceptional job.
The book is a beautiful hardback. In it we learn more about the author, his life, his writing. The book has hundreds of delightful photographs.
James Alfred Wight, was veterinarian in Yorkshire. He was especially fond of dogs. Alf loves all animals and tells his stories with more than a little humor.
This is a 5 star book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
BookMark www.hancockclarion.com
Book Reviews By Debra www.facebook.com/bookreviewsbydebra
I have read the original books by James Herriot over and over. They leave me with a good feeling. Perhaps it is humor, maybe it is the animals, or it could be the simpler time. James Alfred “Alf” Wight, aka James Herriot, was born in 1916. Although he was exempt from service he served as a pilot in WWII. In 1968, 50-year-old Wight began to write. His first book “If Only They Cold Talk” was published in 1970. His books offer readers stories concerning animals. One of my favorite stories concerns Strawberry Cows. I have never heard of Strawberry Cows and still would like to see a picture of one.
I was so excited to listen to Celebrating All Creatures Great & Small. The daughter of James Herriot wrote the foreword for this book. She offers insight into her father. This book is more about the PBS series than a repeat of the original stories. PBS has a show featuring the delightful stories of James Herriot and his adventures as a veterinarian. The main character is played by Nicholas Ralph. The stories have been adapted for the new series, but they still offer the viewer the warmth of the series from the past. The viewer travels to Darrowby, a fictional village where they meet the cast playing the characters from the original books. This book shares information about how the series is made and bits and pieces concerning the actors. It introduces listeners to the setting, the landscape and of course the animals. The listeners visit Skeldale House, the home of the Wights. There are several narrators for this book, and they are all very talented. Deborah Balm and Nathaniel Priestley do an exceptional job.
The book is a beautiful hardback. In it we learn more about the author, his life, his writing. The book has hundreds of delightful photographs.
James Alfred Wight, was veterinarian in Yorkshire. He was especially fond of dogs. Alf loves all animals and tells his stories with more than a little humor.
This is a 5 star book!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
November 19, 2024
I’m old enough to remember the original series of All Great and Small and living in Yorkshire at the time I had various spin off touristy type books which I used to explore the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It was such a treat therefore when Channel 5 decided, in 2020, to launch a new adaptation of the books which were originally published by James Herriot, pen name of vet Alf Wight, in the 1970s. Whilst this new version is different from the original stories it still has all the charm of the original TV series, which ran from 1978 to 1990. With a new cast and sumptuous production, the charming tales of life in a country veterinary practice were once again brought to life and set to charm a new generation of fans by showcasing the beautiful Yorkshire Dales countryside.
Having watched all five of the Channel 5 series I consider myself to be something of a fan as not only have I thoroughly enjoyed this latest production but to have this official companion has been a real treat to read. With its beautiful glossy pages and stunning photographs it is definitely a book to treasure and re-read. Nicely divided into five distinct sections we are whisked away to the fictional village of Darrowby and meet those well loved characters who call this lovely place ‘home’. With lots of background information about the making of the series and vignettes of the cast there is a sense that this is a close knit community of talented people who really care about what they are producing and it shows in the popularity of the series which continues to grow and grow.
Just as James Herriot’s original novels were a love story to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and its people so this companion book is a love story to the TV series and to all the talented cast, including the animals, and amazing crew who bring All Creatures Great and Small to life in such glorious detail.
If you’re a fan of the series as I am or if you love the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, then treat yourself by pre-ordering this lovely book in time for Christmas, and then just sit back, read and enjoy.
September 15, 2024
I grew up reading the James Herriot books and found them highly amusing, I watched the TV series, All Creatures Great and Small that aired in the late 70s. I adored the characters and the stories, and now this series has seen a resurgence and a new adaptation has been remade for television in the 2020s. This book is linked with this series and is full of amazing things.
Starting with a Forward from Rosie Page, James Herriot's daughter, she gives a wonderful insight into her father who considered himself "95% vet and 5% author. A private man who happened to write a series of hugely popular books. It is great to see this coming back around again with a new version.
This book is a gorgeous hardback and it is segmented into chapters that take the reader through the life of the the Alf Wight, the original name of the author, and how he began writing his series in the mid-sixties starting with If Only They Could Talk. With some nice photos. This leads nicely into an introduction to the actors who play the main characters.
The photos of the past and then the present are scattered throughout the book and it is great to have the face of Alf and his family shown alongside the photos of the TV series, it provides a wonderful link and connection between the two. There are also numerous shots of the landscape where the series was filmed as well as additional TV shots. Alongside the photos, there are little anecdotes from the filming of the series, the odd mishap or accident.
This book is gorgeous, the pictures, the test and the information are all well laid out and it shows a behind-the-scenes snap of the 4 series that have been produced to date. There is a 5th series due in Autumn 2024.
If you are a fan of the Yorkshire Dales, James Herriot books and TV dramatisations then this book is a wonderful one to sit and read through. It is a lovely addition to the Herriot saga and I would definitely recommend it.
Starting with a Forward from Rosie Page, James Herriot's daughter, she gives a wonderful insight into her father who considered himself "95% vet and 5% author. A private man who happened to write a series of hugely popular books. It is great to see this coming back around again with a new version.
This book is a gorgeous hardback and it is segmented into chapters that take the reader through the life of the the Alf Wight, the original name of the author, and how he began writing his series in the mid-sixties starting with If Only They Could Talk. With some nice photos. This leads nicely into an introduction to the actors who play the main characters.
The photos of the past and then the present are scattered throughout the book and it is great to have the face of Alf and his family shown alongside the photos of the TV series, it provides a wonderful link and connection between the two. There are also numerous shots of the landscape where the series was filmed as well as additional TV shots. Alongside the photos, there are little anecdotes from the filming of the series, the odd mishap or accident.
This book is gorgeous, the pictures, the test and the information are all well laid out and it shows a behind-the-scenes snap of the 4 series that have been produced to date. There is a 5th series due in Autumn 2024.
If you are a fan of the Yorkshire Dales, James Herriot books and TV dramatisations then this book is a wonderful one to sit and read through. It is a lovely addition to the Herriot saga and I would definitely recommend it.
January 4, 2025
All Creatures Great and Small is a delightful book, the perfect read/listen for both fans of the original series, and the current iteration on Channel 5.
The wonderful accented narration of Deborah Balm and Nathaniel Priestley gave the audiobook a wonderful sense of place. The foreword, provided by Rosie Page was a lovely touch too. Rosie is the daughter of Alf and Joan White, Alf being the alter ego of James Herriot himself.
The book gives a vibrant history of the characters, and the cast who bring the much loved characters to life, in this recent incarnation. Much of the social history of the time is discussed, giving context to the programme. Rationing and the ‘make do and mend’ advice quite literally shaped lives in that time, ‘saucepans for spitfires’ was certainly something I knew nothing of.
The talk of Betty’s ‘fat rascals’ made my mouth water, Betty’s is as much of a treat now, as it was then. It was lovely to hear Hannah Hauxwell mentioned in the book. Hannah embodies that generation and locality, when people were stoic and hardy, and just got on with life.
This book feels like the perfect antidote to modern life, just like the series itself. It transports you to a kinder time, when people seemed much happier, with far less. I found myself smiling frequently while listening. It is a soothing, relaxing 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read/listen.
The wonderful accented narration of Deborah Balm and Nathaniel Priestley gave the audiobook a wonderful sense of place. The foreword, provided by Rosie Page was a lovely touch too. Rosie is the daughter of Alf and Joan White, Alf being the alter ego of James Herriot himself.
The book gives a vibrant history of the characters, and the cast who bring the much loved characters to life, in this recent incarnation. Much of the social history of the time is discussed, giving context to the programme. Rationing and the ‘make do and mend’ advice quite literally shaped lives in that time, ‘saucepans for spitfires’ was certainly something I knew nothing of.
The talk of Betty’s ‘fat rascals’ made my mouth water, Betty’s is as much of a treat now, as it was then. It was lovely to hear Hannah Hauxwell mentioned in the book. Hannah embodies that generation and locality, when people were stoic and hardy, and just got on with life.
This book feels like the perfect antidote to modern life, just like the series itself. It transports you to a kinder time, when people seemed much happier, with far less. I found myself smiling frequently while listening. It is a soothing, relaxing 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read/listen.
December 25, 2025
I was so excited for this book! I patiently waited for it to be older than a year so I could get it via Interlibrary loan from my library. Worth the wait! If you love the show, you’ll love this book. I actually can’t believe this doesn’t have more reviews/ratings! And if you’ve read the companion books for Downton Abbey, this one is the same format!
The Positives: Packed full of information. Well researched. Has information about both the show and the general history of the area and the true history/biography of Alf Wight. I learned a lot of cool facts about the Dales. Input from Alf’s children. Stunning pictures of the show and scenery. Plus some touching pictures of Alf Wight and family. I did like this companion book better than the other ACGAS companion book I read. Oh, and if you ever plan to make the pilgrimage to the area (as I hope to one day!), this book even has great travel tips + things to do in the region.
The Negatives: Not many tbh. The pictures were stunning but I would have liked to see more behind the scenes pictures. Most were stills and photographs from the series. The transitions were a bit rough sometimes. Be prepared to swap back and forth quickly between general history and the show, but you’ll certainly never be bored! All the info is interesting!
The Positives: Packed full of information. Well researched. Has information about both the show and the general history of the area and the true history/biography of Alf Wight. I learned a lot of cool facts about the Dales. Input from Alf’s children. Stunning pictures of the show and scenery. Plus some touching pictures of Alf Wight and family. I did like this companion book better than the other ACGAS companion book I read. Oh, and if you ever plan to make the pilgrimage to the area (as I hope to one day!), this book even has great travel tips + things to do in the region.
The Negatives: Not many tbh. The pictures were stunning but I would have liked to see more behind the scenes pictures. Most were stills and photographs from the series. The transitions were a bit rough sometimes. Be prepared to swap back and forth quickly between general history and the show, but you’ll certainly never be bored! All the info is interesting!
January 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this audiobook.
I had the good fortune to visit Thirsk and the James Herriot museum last year.
We also had a tour guide drive us around the Dales, so beautiful.
It was awesome to have the book give details that I could visualize from memory.
What a lovely listen. If you are a fan of the show, or maybe just the books, this is packed with tidbits of information of not only the show storyline, behind the scenes and comparisons to the actual people the books and show are based on, but also historical facts and trivia to really give a full picture of the time period and setting.
What's missing? I definately need to get a hard copy to look at the beautiful photos.
But this listen had great narration and I will be listening again.
I had the good fortune to visit Thirsk and the James Herriot museum last year.
We also had a tour guide drive us around the Dales, so beautiful.
It was awesome to have the book give details that I could visualize from memory.
What a lovely listen. If you are a fan of the show, or maybe just the books, this is packed with tidbits of information of not only the show storyline, behind the scenes and comparisons to the actual people the books and show are based on, but also historical facts and trivia to really give a full picture of the time period and setting.
What's missing? I definately need to get a hard copy to look at the beautiful photos.
But this listen had great narration and I will be listening again.
January 4, 2025
I'm a huge fan of the James Herriot books, the original All Creatures Great and Small TV series, and now the latest TV series.
This was a delight, giving some of the history of the area and the real James Herriot, plus details on the cast of the current series, how they were chosen, how their characters developed etc. We got insights into how the series was filmed, how the two TV series differ from each other, and all manner of interesting facts for fans like myself.
I listened to this, and there were many narrators and they all helped to bring this companion book to life.
Ideal for fans of either of the shows, I was delighted to be able to listen to this.
This was a delight, giving some of the history of the area and the real James Herriot, plus details on the cast of the current series, how they were chosen, how their characters developed etc. We got insights into how the series was filmed, how the two TV series differ from each other, and all manner of interesting facts for fans like myself.
I listened to this, and there were many narrators and they all helped to bring this companion book to life.
Ideal for fans of either of the shows, I was delighted to be able to listen to this.
January 12, 2025
Absolutely delightful to read right before series 5 of ACGAS drops on PBS tomorrow 🥰🥹🫡
I know this was focused partly on the Yorkshire Dales which is great, but I was expecting more/all of just straight up behind the scenes stuff and how the show got made, and like everything that makes it tick (that’s my personal preference because I want to know everythingggg)
LOVED LOVED LOVED all of the photos though!!
I know this was focused partly on the Yorkshire Dales which is great, but I was expecting more/all of just straight up behind the scenes stuff and how the show got made, and like everything that makes it tick (that’s my personal preference because I want to know everythingggg)
LOVED LOVED LOVED all of the photos though!!
March 14, 2025
I was watching the new TV series and realised it was more of an adaption, than strictly true. Anachronistic things occur, which would not have happened then. However, the charm is basically still there and it drew me in.
Being interested in history, I found this book a light, enjoyable romp into things of Britain, Yorkshire, history and people. Touch of literature thrown in.
Beautiful photography.
Being interested in history, I found this book a light, enjoyable romp into things of Britain, Yorkshire, history and people. Touch of literature thrown in.
Beautiful photography.
January 13, 2025
Fantastic book to accompany a great television series. A must read.
May 7, 2025
I just can't get enough of this tv series. I would love to visit the Dales someday. The photography is just stunning.
July 12, 2025
Absolutely love reading this
January 23, 2025
I have yet to watch the newer series but watched the original. This is a wonderful companion and has me itching to not only watch the new series but go and read more of Herriot’s work!
If you haven’t watched the series or read Herriot you may feel a bit lost on names but you’ll absolutely benefit from the country setting and compassionate characters being laid out.
Such an encouraging reminder to revisit a classic.
If you haven’t watched the series or read Herriot you may feel a bit lost on names but you’ll absolutely benefit from the country setting and compassionate characters being laid out.
Such an encouraging reminder to revisit a classic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews