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A Yorkshire Vet Through the Seasons
Warm and heartfelt stories and amusing anecdotes from the life of a vet in God’s Own County. Julian Norton has been a vet for over twenty years, and in that time he has treated animals of every kind – snakes and lizards, fish and fowl, sheep, goats, alpacas, cows, horses, swans … you name it, Julian has seen it and, most likely, made it better! In A Yorkshire Vet Through the Seasons , Julian recounts more inspirational tales from his life, the animals he has treated and the people he has met, as well as taking us through the seasons, showing the challenges and surprises that occur at the most unlikely times. His voice, well known from the television series A Yorkshire Vet on Channel 5, comes over loud and clear in his writing, and the compassion and professionalism he is known for on the TV shines brightly through these pages. Whether he’s tending to a domestic pet at his practice in Thirsk or called out to an injured swan in the middle of a cold Yorkshire night, the animals always come first and Julian’s passion and commitment are always to the fore. Full of drama, small triumphs, sadness and happiness, this book is an inspiration for anyone who loves animals as well as those who dream of becoming a vet.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2017
95 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Julian Norton
16 books35 followersJulian Norton is a British veterinary surgeon, author and TV personality, best known for his appearances on the Channel 5 TV series The Yorkshire Vet
Norton was born and brought up in the mining town of Castleford and went to school in Wakefield at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, before gaining a place to study veterinary medicine at Cambridge University
Since 2015, Norton has been involved, taking the titular role in Channel 5 docuseries The Yorkshire Vet, produced by Daisybeck Studios in Leeds. The programme has been popular, achieving viewing figures of over 2 million, making it one of the channel's most successful.Julian has also featured as a regular guest on The Wright Stuff as well as Springtime on the Farm and Big Week at the Zoo.
He contributes a weekly column in The Country Week of The Yorkshire Post.
He performs regular "in conversation" events with comedian and stand up poet, Kate Fox.
Julian's website is www.thenakedvet.co.uk which offers links to the podcasts of the same name, which he performs with Kate Fox.
Norton attained a certificate in Small Animal Practice in 2007 and has been awarded the Dalesman "Yorkshireman of the Year 2017".
Norton was born and brought up in the mining town of Castleford and went to school in Wakefield at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, before gaining a place to study veterinary medicine at Cambridge University
Since 2015, Norton has been involved, taking the titular role in Channel 5 docuseries The Yorkshire Vet, produced by Daisybeck Studios in Leeds. The programme has been popular, achieving viewing figures of over 2 million, making it one of the channel's most successful.Julian has also featured as a regular guest on The Wright Stuff as well as Springtime on the Farm and Big Week at the Zoo.
He contributes a weekly column in The Country Week of The Yorkshire Post.
He performs regular "in conversation" events with comedian and stand up poet, Kate Fox.
Julian's website is www.thenakedvet.co.uk which offers links to the podcasts of the same name, which he performs with Kate Fox.
Norton attained a certificate in Small Animal Practice in 2007 and has been awarded the Dalesman "Yorkshireman of the Year 2017".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 4, 2019
I always loved the books James Herriot wrote and now...what a delight to follow the up to date and true experiences of the two vets who are carrying on the traditions in a small country town called Thirsk which is only a few miles from my home. I love these books and DVDs the two vets have agreed to make with their wonderful human characters such as 'the Greens' and their animals who are in need of help and are all taken care of by these two country vets. They are on first name terms with so many people living in the community and have dedicated their lives to helping cure their sick animals.
June 12, 2018
This book was a well written account of what a country vet gets up to. I have not watched the tv series , indeed I was not aware there was one when I purchased this book, but it is referred to in the book. I would probably give it 3.5* as for me it lacked the humour and warmth of James Herriot’s books. A quick, easy, pleasant read.
December 28, 2017
There's been a delay in reviewing this book simply because I was taken ill on holiday in Tenerife. However, I've now recovered and ready to enthuse about Julian's second book.
Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs was Julian's account of his life, growing up in West Yorkshire, training to be a vet at Cambridge, his early years in practice and various struggles. A Yorkshire Vet Through the Seasons is a series of narratives about the varying troubles faced by vets at different times of the year.
It's exceptionally well-written and paints a picture of North Yorkshire's rugged beauty which presents a challenging backdrop to the many joys and difficulties experienced by The Yorkshire Vet.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
Horses, Heifers and Hairy Pigs was Julian's account of his life, growing up in West Yorkshire, training to be a vet at Cambridge, his early years in practice and various struggles. A Yorkshire Vet Through the Seasons is a series of narratives about the varying troubles faced by vets at different times of the year.
It's exceptionally well-written and paints a picture of North Yorkshire's rugged beauty which presents a challenging backdrop to the many joys and difficulties experienced by The Yorkshire Vet.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
August 3, 2022
Sturdy and entertaining, this is a pretty workmanlike book, but it reads just like you'd expect one written by Julian Norton to read! However, rest assured that Julian hasn't included *any* of his endearing "so bad they're good" repertoire of dad-jokes.
From the first page you're back in Thirsk and the surrounding area, being reacquainted with people, animals and owners previously met in The Yorkshire Vet TV series. I don't remember Malcolm the greyhound trainer, a Les Dawson clone who adores his dogs; nor do I recall the always cheerful farmer who laughed at everything, including mishaps, and whom I found somewhat unnerving: I could imagine him chopping off a foot by accident and laughing because now he could make a pair of socks last twice as long. There's a big difference between being positive and faintly psychopathic. However, the presence of fellow vet Peter Wright, Jean and Steve Green, the alpacas, and other familiar faces make up for this.
Inevitably there are sad tales amongst the heart-warming ones; but I think it's good to show some of the harsh realities of the farming life and the farming year.
Best of all, this book includes a written account of The Artificial Insemination Of Elsie, the heritage breed pig, one of the most surreal moments of the whole series. Elsie and her ASBO piglets are a joy anyway, but the procedure of getting her pregnant was an affair conducted with a soundtrack of comedy tuba music, and was pure comedy gold.
All in all, a straightforward, unpretentious and enjoyable read.
From the first page you're back in Thirsk and the surrounding area, being reacquainted with people, animals and owners previously met in The Yorkshire Vet TV series. I don't remember Malcolm the greyhound trainer, a Les Dawson clone who adores his dogs; nor do I recall the always cheerful farmer who laughed at everything, including mishaps, and whom I found somewhat unnerving: I could imagine him chopping off a foot by accident and laughing because now he could make a pair of socks last twice as long. There's a big difference between being positive and faintly psychopathic. However, the presence of fellow vet Peter Wright, Jean and Steve Green, the alpacas, and other familiar faces make up for this.
Inevitably there are sad tales amongst the heart-warming ones; but I think it's good to show some of the harsh realities of the farming life and the farming year.
Best of all, this book includes a written account of The Artificial Insemination Of Elsie, the heritage breed pig, one of the most surreal moments of the whole series. Elsie and her ASBO piglets are a joy anyway, but the procedure of getting her pregnant was an affair conducted with a soundtrack of comedy tuba music, and was pure comedy gold.
All in all, a straightforward, unpretentious and enjoyable read.
August 29, 2020
Another Fab Book
Really enjoyed reading this book and having just binge watched the Yorkshire Vet (again) I recognised some of the characters (clients) in the book. Very interesting and enjoyable!
Really enjoyed reading this book and having just binge watched the Yorkshire Vet (again) I recognised some of the characters (clients) in the book. Very interesting and enjoyable!
January 4, 2018
Super quick review this time! The book is good but not that in-depth...
Through the seasons is Julian’s second book, I haven’t read his first book but will probably now. It was a very easy as quick book despite the size of it. The book takes you through the different seasons, showing us how the time of year affects the work they do. Simply specific animals need help at different times! In the spring, some sheep need help when they are giving birth but in the winter there may be animals with pneumonia as they come off the fields.
I noted there were references to Alf Wright but I have no idea who that was so it didn’t really make any sense! The last few chapters of the book felt like they should be dotted through the book, the placement they currently has made it seem they just needed a longer book.
If you take anything away from this let it be a reminder to update your pet log on your chipped pet or get your pet chipped!!
Through the seasons is Julian’s second book, I haven’t read his first book but will probably now. It was a very easy as quick book despite the size of it. The book takes you through the different seasons, showing us how the time of year affects the work they do. Simply specific animals need help at different times! In the spring, some sheep need help when they are giving birth but in the winter there may be animals with pneumonia as they come off the fields.
I noted there were references to Alf Wright but I have no idea who that was so it didn’t really make any sense! The last few chapters of the book felt like they should be dotted through the book, the placement they currently has made it seem they just needed a longer book.
If you take anything away from this let it be a reminder to update your pet log on your chipped pet or get your pet chipped!!
January 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and loved how each story was written with enthusiasm. I have watched 'The Yorkshire Vet' a few times on tv but never really got hooked to it. However, I think the book format suits me more and now I can't wait to read his third book. (I have already read the first book!) I thoroughly recommend this book to all budding animal lovers out there.
December 12, 2017
A brilliant book,very well written and easy reading to the point of not being able to put it down. If you enjoyed the James Herriot books then this is just up your street. Thoroughly enjoyable reading,heres hoping for another book in the series!
February 28, 2018
A reet gud book 👍
A reet gud book , as thoroughly enjoyed it, best thing was it were cheap enough for a Yorkshire min to buy at £0:99p.full of interesting characters.tret thee sen to a copy, tha waint be disappointed
A reet gud book , as thoroughly enjoyed it, best thing was it were cheap enough for a Yorkshire min to buy at £0:99p.full of interesting characters.tret thee sen to a copy, tha waint be disappointed
November 16, 2018
Brilliant as good as the last books
Loved it so interesting and informative as good as Julian last book the photos of the scenery is breathtaking and beautiful what a lovely place to work
Loved it so interesting and informative as good as Julian last book the photos of the scenery is breathtaking and beautiful what a lovely place to work
December 6, 2017
great book following the work of the current vet at Skeldale. Fans of the TV series and James Herriot will love this book
November 22, 2020
A Yorkshire Vet Through The Seasons - Julian Norton
What a lovely book. What a quaint, comfortable, humorus read. This book is like shrugging on your favourite wind cheater, it's familiar, comforting and warms you up.
Julian wends his way through the Seasons, explaining the different ailments that assuage his patients at different times of the year and the connection between the Seasons and his patients health.
I know, I shouldn't compare it to the Herriot books but the series was produced because of the connection to Alf White and so it is impossible not to do that.
So getting that comparison out of the way, Julian Norton loves the Yorkshire countryside just as much as Alf White did and his descriptions are beautifully prosaic. There were also some very humorous
moments in the book and some very quirky characters.
In it's own right though this book exposes just how dangerous a veterinary job can be. Did you know for instance that Equine veterinary practice is ranked as the most dangerous profession outside of the armed forces? Me neither.
Julian Norton has such a gentle way about his writing and it did remind me of the Herriot books but his own personality shone through like a radiant light. I am officially a massive fan. Now all I've got to do is convince my Dad (the biggest James Herriot fan I've ever met) to give Julian a chance.
Shout out to Julian's 14 year old son Jack for taking the jacket pictures and his wife for editing, his sister for proof reading and his son for being an inspiration to Julian everyday. Isn't that wonderful?
What a lovely book. What a quaint, comfortable, humorus read. This book is like shrugging on your favourite wind cheater, it's familiar, comforting and warms you up.
Julian wends his way through the Seasons, explaining the different ailments that assuage his patients at different times of the year and the connection between the Seasons and his patients health.
I know, I shouldn't compare it to the Herriot books but the series was produced because of the connection to Alf White and so it is impossible not to do that.
So getting that comparison out of the way, Julian Norton loves the Yorkshire countryside just as much as Alf White did and his descriptions are beautifully prosaic. There were also some very humorous
moments in the book and some very quirky characters.
In it's own right though this book exposes just how dangerous a veterinary job can be. Did you know for instance that Equine veterinary practice is ranked as the most dangerous profession outside of the armed forces? Me neither.
Julian Norton has such a gentle way about his writing and it did remind me of the Herriot books but his own personality shone through like a radiant light. I am officially a massive fan. Now all I've got to do is convince my Dad (the biggest James Herriot fan I've ever met) to give Julian a chance.
Shout out to Julian's 14 year old son Jack for taking the jacket pictures and his wife for editing, his sister for proof reading and his son for being an inspiration to Julian everyday. Isn't that wonderful?
January 21, 2022
A very good read, though not as funny as the James Herriot’s books, but much better than Peter Wright’s one, all three being based on veterinary treatment at a practice in Skeldale, Yorkshire. Though, as my husband pointed out, perhaps a lot of the people in it are still alive and therefore can’t be made into caricatures.
Yes, some of the tales I knew from the TV series but that didn’t matter. Having read this second book of his first, I will now read all this others, then probably reread James’s for the nth time!
Yes, some of the tales I knew from the TV series but that didn’t matter. Having read this second book of his first, I will now read all this others, then probably reread James’s for the nth time!
October 17, 2017
What a lovely heartwarming book this is. I really enjoyed the way it followed the seasons and the effect of the seasons on a vet's work. His love of his work and of the animals he treats is evident on every page.There are some dramatic stories and others which will make you laugh.I like Julian's easy way of writing. Sit down with a cup of best Yorkshire tea and just enjoy these animal antics. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2021
What a wonderful book to read during lockdown! No politics, no grizzly murders, and no gratuitous swearing (no, I'm not a prude). Just a heartfelt journal of interesting trips to the local farms and the patients being treated by the kindly Yorkshire Vet. And if you enjoy the book, be sure to check out the series.
May 6, 2024
Beware Cuteness Factor..
I love reading and never miss an episode of "The Yorkshire Vet." So given the chance to read these stories in the own words of the Vet was not to be missed. Such a lovely way of writing though that I found it hard to put down and finished the book in a day.
I love reading and never miss an episode of "The Yorkshire Vet." So given the chance to read these stories in the own words of the Vet was not to be missed. Such a lovely way of writing though that I found it hard to put down and finished the book in a day.
January 24, 2025
I normally pick up my James Herriot books when I need a bit of idyllic, countryside escapism to settle a busy brain. Having not long read them, I decided to give this a go.
The Yorkshire Dales is exactly where I needed to be this week and Julian’s recounts of his time as a Vet have achieved that beautifully.
The Yorkshire Dales is exactly where I needed to be this week and Julian’s recounts of his time as a Vet have achieved that beautifully.
May 13, 2019
Fantastic
Absolutely brilliant book. I loved the tales of the old farmers. Would highly recommend this book. It is a mixture of humour and friendship. A wonderful entertaining and educational read.
Absolutely brilliant book. I loved the tales of the old farmers. Would highly recommend this book. It is a mixture of humour and friendship. A wonderful entertaining and educational read.
September 2, 2020
Loved it
I really enjoyed reading this book as I did with the previous book, the description of the characters and area is wonderful. The friendly way Julian writes is so up lifting and I was chucking a lot while reading.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book as I did with the previous book, the description of the characters and area is wonderful. The friendly way Julian writes is so up lifting and I was chucking a lot while reading.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
March 11, 2021
Good vet book read
This is another of Julians books that are about the job and not about him. Funny & interesting, content is varied and well written. A good, easy, light hearted read.
This is another of Julians books that are about the job and not about him. Funny & interesting, content is varied and well written. A good, easy, light hearted read.
June 26, 2021
A great read
Have really enjoyed reading this book Julian is a good character in the book and kn the TV. What happens out on his rounds and at the veterinary surgery is very amusing and he recalls them very well.
Have really enjoyed reading this book Julian is a good character in the book and kn the TV. What happens out on his rounds and at the veterinary surgery is very amusing and he recalls them very well.
April 22, 2018
funny, very entertaining !
February 10, 2019
An amusing read
Having watched the programme I can picture the antics, the people and events of Julian's vetinary life. I'm looking forward to the next book
Having watched the programme I can picture the antics, the people and events of Julian's vetinary life. I'm looking forward to the next book
January 3, 2020
Lovely, easy read with some amazing stories from the Yorkshire vet
February 11, 2020
Really good book. I used to enjoy James Herriot Books and it’s interesting to read about the life of a country vet.
February 17, 2020
Another beautiful book by Julian. A really funny and laugh out loud read. Can’t wait to get my hands on his next one. Thanks for sharing some of your moments.
September 5, 2020
Brilliant
Superb, enthralling story! Will read as many of these books as I can find! Keep writing please as I can wait for the nx one!
Superb, enthralling story! Will read as many of these books as I can find! Keep writing please as I can wait for the nx one!
October 18, 2020
Lovely and heartwarming just like the series.
May 10, 2021
Another great book
June 19, 2022
An often humorous look at being a vet in Yorkshire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews