All Creatures Great and Small

The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor

By: James Herriot

Narrated by: Christopher Timothy

Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Find All Creatures Great and Small: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor, read by Nicholas Ralph, star of the new PBS Masterpiece series, on Audible.

These are the stories that catapulted James Herriot to literary fame. When this book was first published, it was a simple volume of memoirs by an unknown Scottish veterinarian. But within a year, the book became recognized as a masterpiece. And in the two and a half decades that followed, Dr. Herriot became one of the most universally loved authors of our time.

In this first volume of his memoirs, then-newly-qualified vet James Herriot arrives in the small Yorkshire village of Darrowby, and he has no idea what to expect. How will he get on with his new boss? The local farmers? And what will the animals think? This program is filled with hilarious and touching tales of the unpredictable Siegfried Farnon, his charming student brother, Tristan, and Herriot's first encounters with a beautiful girl named Helen.

Now as then, All Creatures Great and Small is full of humor, warmth, pathos, drama, and James Herriot's love of life. His journey across the Yorkshire dales, and his encounters with humans and dogs, cows and kittens, are lovingly told by Christopher Timothy with all the fascination, affection and joy that suffuses Dr. Herriot's works.

©1972 The James Herriot Partnership; Master recordings produced by Chivers Press Limited: If Only They Could Talk (p) 1994, It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet(p) 1993, Let Sleeping Vets Lie (p)1994 • Compilation (p)1996 by Macmillan Audio (P)1996 by Audio Renaissance

Critic reviews

"One of the funniest and most likeable books around." (Atlantic Monthly)
"If there is any justice, All Creatures Great and Small will become a classic of its kind....With seemingly effortless art, this man tells his stories with perfect timing and optimum scale. Many more famous authors could work for a lifetime and not achieve more flawless literary control." (Chicago Tribune Book World)
"Herriot charms because he delights in life, embraces it with sensitivity and gust, and writes with grace. All Creatures Great and Small may well be the happiest book of the year." (The New York Times Book Review)

Human Nature Stories

Herriots book is a collection of superb stories that take place in a beautiful setting. These stories are full of charm and are recommended for relaxing reading before bedtime. His writing is humorous, touching, and well-written.

Excellent

Would like to recommend this excellent book to a friend. Because I can't think of one, I recommend it to you. You will not regret it.

Good again

I read this book man, many years ago. It was just as good the second time around, maybe even better. The characters came more to life this time through the excellent narrator's reading. Good again for sure.

Packed full of funny animal (and people) stories

This was a great collection of stories from James Herriot, a veterinarian who worked in a rural area in England's countryside during the 1940's. Each story had a bit of humor , animal interactions and of course human nature.
Enjoyed for sure by any animal lover!

classic

the narrator was superb. especially liked the old man voice. makes you wish for a simpler time and life.

Like comfort food for the soul

The books in this series are on my book shelf, and I have read them all before. Yet with a hectic schedule, I have little time to sit and read. Christopher Timothy is a perfect fit for t

Charming lighthearted yarn.

Delightful escape from the unpleasant realities of our current world turmoil. Don't look for profound in depth pontificating and angst. This is a lighthearted series of farm related vignettes as seen through the eyes of a local veterinarian in rural England during the 1930s.

very lovely story

this is particularly sweet because it is a true story too bad many of the marriages don't last like they used to

great book and performance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a vet, and everyone has always told me about James Herriot. I finally heeded their advice and am glad. I enjoyed Christopher's performance, very entertaining and brings the action to life.

classic

Very well written and read. the stories come to life for the listener and the narrator does very well capturing the characters and environments.