James Herriot

James Herriot

Literary life of a country vet

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Though better known by his pen name, Herriot was born as James Alfred Wight. He studied veterinary medicine in Glasgow, Scotland and qualified as a vet in 1939. Herriot began work at a rural practice in the Yorkshire Dales treating farm animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and horses.

At times it seemed unfair that I should be paid for my work; for driving out in the early morning with the fields glittering under the first pale sunshine and the wisps of mist still hanging on the high tops.

-James herriot

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James Herriot becomes the world's most famous vet

At age 50, Herriot was persuaded by his wife to write down anecdotes from his work. Though Herriot was first published in the UK, it was not until All Creatures Great and Small (1972) was issued in the United States that he became an instant best seller. Herriot’s stories are now widely loved and translated into many languages. His writings inspired many to enter veterinary medecine and put the Yorkshire Dales on the tourist map.

• The bond between humans and animals
• Rural life in Yorkshire
• Humor in daily life

WRITINGS

With warmth and insight, Herriot explores themes including

Setting is always important in a story, but especially in for Herriot, where the landscape so clearly makes the characters and drives the plot.

Selected Readings

Herriot’s stories are full of unique characters. He adds just the right amount of colorful detail to make each personality, human or beast, come alive.

Herriot’s books are filled with a unique sensitivity. His compassionate descriptions of daily life with humans and animals celebrate life and nature

Thank you!

All Creatures Great & Small

"The thing that made us notice the dog was that he was sitting up begging in front of the biscuit stall. He stopped at another stall which sold produce; eggs, cheese, scones. Without hesitation he sat up again in the begging position, rock steady, paws dangling, head pointing expectantly. It wasn't long before he was munching on a bun... ... he faced me and for a moment two friendly eyes gazed at me from a singularly attractive little face, the fringed tail waved in response to my words but as I inched nearer he turned and ambled unhurriedly among the market day crowd" -Ch. 33

Several blue plaques have been placed in Herriot's honor:

• His childhood home in Glasgow.
• Kirkgate, his former surgery.
• His Brandling Street birthplace in Sunderland, England.

All Creatures Great & Small

As I drove west across the Plain of York I began to catch glimpses over the hedge tops and between the trees of the long spine of the Pennines lifting into the morning sky; they were pale violet at this distance and still hazy in the early sunshine but they beckoned to me. And later, when the little car pulled harder against the rising ground and the trees became fewer and the hedges gave way to the clean limestone walls I had the feeling I always had of the world opening out, of shackles falling away. And there, at last, was Darrowby sleeping under the familiar bulk of Herne Fell and beyond, the great green folds of the Dales. —Ch. 35

Most of the Dales’ geography now falls within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, created in 1954. Unlike such parks in the U.S., this is not solely a wilderness area, but a place to live and work for over 24,000 people. Over 90 percent of the park is privately owned by those farming the land or running businesses.