• 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
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (7,418 ratings)

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All Creatures Great and Small  By  cover art

All Creatures Great and Small

By: James Herriot
Narrated by: Christopher Timothy
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Editorial reviews

Rarely have story, author, and storyteller fused so magically as in Herriot's 1972 memoirs of a vet's life amidst the people and animals that filled it with meaning. Each moment in time reveals timeless joy, frustration, and heartbreak with such sincerity as to make it utterly compelling. As lovingly read by the actor Christopher Timothy, who played Herriot in a BBC series inspired by the book, the audio experience wraps the listener in a warm embrace, bringing this classic to life and making it a no-brainer as a must-listen.

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)

Featured Article: Don't press paws! Snuggle up with the best audiobooks for people who love their pets


This pet-lover-approved selection of audiobooks will give new and veteran pet parents alike a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite (furry) companions. In times of stress and uncertainty, there's nothing more comforting than hanging out with a dependable, lovable dog, cat, bird, or other favorite critter. No wonder the adoption of furry friends continues to surge! Here are our favorite stories that center around the most captivating of comrades—our pets.

What listeners say about All Creatures Great and Small

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Great everything

Liked it all great book great narrator looking forward to next book in the series. Thanks

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A delightful listen!

My Aunt gifted me this series as a child and I devoured it. Listening to it has brought back such happy memories. The narration is excellent and I look forward to completing the rest of the series , too.

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Super adorable story

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a compilation of a bunch of smaller stories that tie together and it’s sweet and entertaining. I highly recommend it if you just want to enjoy a good read and laugh a little.

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Put a smile on my face within minutes!

James Herriot (Alf Wright) brings his life as a country vet in the Yorkshire Dales to life in All Creatures Great Small with such colorful and vivid writing, that I immediately forgot the rough day I was having, and the nasty weather outside.

I've loved the "All Creatures" series since I was a little girl, and I can no longer hold a physical book, or read small print. The discovery of the audiobook was a relief, as the books had become trusted friends during countless hospital stays, and other difficult times throughout my life, and thanks to the audio format, the series continues to brighten my days and nights - just as they always have.

To find that Christopher Timothy, who played James Herriot in the first television adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was the narrator of the audiobooks makes them extra special.

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Beloved Classic!

A great read for all ages. Good to read when a farmer you know is alive & well so you can ask any questions you may have.

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Absolutely excellent

the narrator was excellent. James Herriot, the author, has been a childhood favorite mine. 30+ years later I decided to read this book again. loved every moment.

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great listen

filled with wonderful stories that are well told. is now a favored of mine. you'll not be disappointed.

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great!

I enjoyed watching the All Creatures t.v. series and then discovered the books, which were even better in Heriotts own words. Then....I discovered Audible's series and I have to say, "This is the best way to experience these wonderful stories. The reader is PERFECT, and gives incredible life to all of the tales. I love these books!!

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12 people found this helpful

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An absolute MUST-HAVE in your Audible Library!

Where do I begin?!?! James Herriot's words and experiences are brought to vivid life by the flawless and brilliant narration of Christopher Timothy! I have never been so captivated! Timothy's spot-on vocals left me awestruck- he truly captures Herriot's sharp wit and genuine love of all creatures great and small!

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3 people found this helpful

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All Creatures Has a Top Spot in My Heart

I've loved this story since I first viewed it on TV years ago. The best as an audio book as well! Pure enjoyment!

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1 person found this helpful