The Real James Herriot: The Authorized Biography

by Jim Wight

Take a trip down memory lane and read about the life of Britain's most beloved vet, who charmed us all with his bestselling tales of veterinary life in Yorkshire.'A wonderful, glorious insight into the life of the man behind the books' 5***** Reader Review'Moving . . . A book I shall treasure and read several times' 5***** Reader Review______After qualifying as a vet in 1939, Alf Wight, aka James Herriot, moved to a veterinary practice in Thirsk, Yorkshire.It wasn't until he was over fifty when his first book of stories about life as a Yorkshire vet, If Only They Could Talk , was published, giving birth to some of Yorkshire's most famous and much-loved literary characters, and later becoming the popular BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small.Not only did his books have great success, but they also inspired many to take up the profession, in what was known as the 'Herriot effect'.Although he brought fame and fortune to himself and those around him, he remained an intensely private person, respected and trusted by those whose animals he cared for, and adored by millions of fans.Written by his son with touching insight, this illuminating biography reveals the real man behind the title 'The World's Most Famous Vet'.______Readers are captivated by The Real James'Fascinating . . . A wonderful and worthy testament' 5***** Reader Review'A real insight into the life of someone you feel you knew and loved' 5***** Reader Review'Extremely poignant, gives great insight into those unforgettable tales of a Yorkshire Vet' 5***** Reader Review

Genres: Nonfiction

ebook

Published October 26, 2000

About the author

James Alexander Wight, son of the famous James Alfred “Alf” Wight who is best known as the author James Herriot . He took time out from the veterinary practice in Thirsk, where he worked with his father for many years, in order to write and then publicise his father's biography. He lives just outside Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

Reviews

[Alex Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid fan of James Herriot’s books, I’d say Jim Wight doesn’t share his father’s gift for storytelling in the same way. As a result I found parts of this book, especially the first few chapters, tough going in places However, overall I found it fascinating to get an insight into the people and places who formed the inspiration for the books I have read countless times.

Being familiar with North Yorkshire, I find it especially enlightening to learn exactly which of the fictional towns and villages in the books were based on which real-life equivalents. Wight’s biography of his father may not be the best-written book but it is an essential read if you’re a fan of James Herriot and want to know more about the man himself, as well as Siegfried and Tristan.

[Shelley Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say. Jim Wight is not quite as gifted a writer as his father, Alf Wight, aka James Herriot. But this is a poignant read from a man who adored his dad both professionally and much more personally. He describes the ups and downs of his father’s life and work, and his caring way of handling “all creatures, great and small” including those of human origin. A beautiful, historical read that, like his dad, found me in laughter and tears.

[Stefan Grieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this after James Heriot's 8-book series, I found it interesting and enhanced the experience of my previous readings as it filled the gaps in the real vet's life and let me know the truth from the fiction.

It's a bit stodgily written at first, but it gets better and comes into its own in the last 150 pages.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not well written

[Ute Weiß · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book about my favorite vet and a time gone by …

[Simone Retro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Charming read, like sitting at Jim Wights kitchentable, listening to the stories about his father.