Category: Classics

Lifespan: (October 3, 1916 –February 23, 1995)

Interesting & Unique Facts: James Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight.

In 1939, at the age of twenty-three, Wight graduated as a veterinary surgeon from Glasgow Veterinary College.
He joined a rural practice in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, which is close to the Yokrshire Dales and North York Moors. Wight would remain there the rest of his life. On November 5th, 1941, he married Joan Catherine Anderson Danbury.

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, h3 began writing in 1966, at age 50.
The books were an instant success and were adapted in films and a popular British TV show.

Herriot's fame has generated a thriving tourist economy in Thirsk. Local businesses include the "World of James Herriot" museum (located at 23 Kirkgate, the original location of his practice), and a pub called the "Darrowby Fayre".

Author's work in order (with publication dates):

British Book Titles

• If Only They Could Talk (1970)
• It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1972)
• Let Sleeping Vets Lie (1973)
• Vet in Harness (1974)
• Vets Might Fly (1976)
• Vet in a Spin (1977)
• James Herriot's Yorkshire (1979)
• The Lord God Made Them All (1981)
• Every Living Thing (1992)
• James Herriot's Cat Stories (1994) [a short story collection]
• James Herriot's Dog Stories (1995) [a short story collection]

American Omnibus Editions

[The titles for the omnibus American edition were actually suggested by Wight's daughter]

• All Creatures Great and Small (1972) [incorporating If Only They Could Talk and It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet]
• All Things Bright and Beautiful (1974) [incorporating Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vet in Harness]
• All Things Wise and Wonderful (1977) [incorporating Vets Might Fly and Vet in a Spin]