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)

Delightful!

I love James Harriott and hearing it added to its charm. I highly recommended this audible book.

A Timeless Story About A Country Vet's Days

This book has been one of my favorite books ever since I discovered the story on the PBS story of the same name. The narrator played the role of James Herriot in the series and the characters come to life once again in this audible book. Siegfried and his younger brother, Tristan, are constantly at each other over some indiscretion that Tristan has done or that Siegfried perceives he did. It is a humorous and heartwarming story about the hill country of England back before WWII and then again after WWII when the vets return to continue their practice. The dells of the Yorkshire area of England are described in such detail that you can almost reach out and touch the animals and see the ragged clothing and scowling faces of the farmers. The sequel is just as good. It is not often that you find someone who is a vet and cares for animals also well versed in writing the feelings of the creatures that he treats. James Herriot was a special kind of vet and his books are special stories that should not be missed in text or in audible form. Do yourself a favor and get this wonderful book set for your library.

Wonderful through and through!

Listening to Christopher Timothy read this brings to memory the tv series I enjoyed so much! The characters are great and the story is one of my favorites!

Always a Joy

James Herriot is an EXCELLENT story teller. I have listened more than once to these fascinating tales of his work life in the Yorkshire Dales. And I am always delighted to be there again as he takes us on his daily rounds and work adventures. These books are a classic, but in a most delicious and profound way as they stand the test of time. Christopher Timothy IS James Herriot!! His narration is so satisfying and spot on. No one could narrate the Herriot books better than Christopher Timothy. These books are perfect for long car rides with the entire family. We introduced these books to our daughter just before she entered vet school and she and her vet boyfriend found them as wonderful as we did.

Classic story, wonderful as an audiobook!

The story is a classic, and the delivery is fabulous. A must read for animal lovers.

Loved this book even more than when I read it many years ago! Perfect narration! Very amusing!

The narrator was fantastic, with so many different accents and voices; really added to the humorous stories!

Truly enjoyable listening

Wonderful narration and wonderful stories easy listening with some humor Ready to move on to the next book

Heartwarming and funny

This book is delightful. Written in a way that you can pick it up anywhere and get great episodic stories full of humor. I recommend this book to everyone.

The performance was BETTER than 5 star

This book and others by Herriot are favorites of mine from my youth in the 1970's. The audiobook is far better than reading them, which is unusual. Chrostopher Timothy gives the most masterful performance I have ever heard. His command of the many dialects of England and especially of Yorkshire are a delight to this American's ear. Mr Tomothy is no longer young and I am such a fangirl that I want to write him a fan letter for helping to product my favorite audiobooks ever. Audible 20 review sweepstakes entry.

I Know Now Why this is a Classic!

If you could sum up All Creatures Great and Small in three words, what would they be?

I miss it!

What other book might you compare All Creatures Great and Small to and why?

Can't think of any other book to compare: incomparable!

What does Christopher Timothy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tremendous accent and feeling! I thought I was listening to the author himself! Fabulous performer.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely!

Any additional comments?

One of the best literary experiences I've ever had. I've recommended this audio book to all my adult children and to my spouse and to my vet!