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)

All Creatures Great & Small

I loved this book and can't wait to listen to all in the series. The humor is so dry, but poignant, and had me laughing out loud throughout. The story is very upbeat and bright. Highly recommend!

Fond Childhood Memories

Brings back fond childhood memories of watching this show on PBS in the late 70's or early 80's; I was a little kid. There is something relaxing about these simple and funny stories that keeps me coming back times over. Narrators voice is a perfect tone for Mr. Herriot's stories. Its nice to listen to when cleaning. Entertaining in the most simple ways. If you've made it this far into the reviews; buy the darned book already.

Animal Husbandry

James H. reminded me why I want to work on the family farm after college. The way he can describe the feelings of what it means to have a bit of something that is your own, that's a priceless goal I will always pursue.

remarkable

How wonderful this story is for its detail, characters and humor. And how much I learned about animals!
Beautifully told and engrossing.

every bit as good as when I read it 30 years ago.

excellent narration! it's really wonderful amen a narrators voice can transport you into a different place and time. .. love these characters. .. just as wonderful and warm as it was when I first read it as a teenager almost 30 years ago. ... these stories fueled my dream of becoming a vet. ... even spent 'some time in the yorkshire dells. .. this really brings me back. ..thank you for a marveled presentation!

Donna M.

Great Read! It's easy to just listen and immerse yourself into a simpler time and place. All time classic!

Love these stories!

I really enjoy hearing Christopher Timothy reading these books! We have had all of the TV shows on tape, then DVDs, for years and enjoy them so much. Having Mr. Timothy, who played James, reading them is such a treat! My only question of this performance is why music was added - unrelated music played at strange times. We’re grateful to have the book version now.

Loved this book!

I listen to books while I quilt. The first chapter of this book made me laugh out loud. It has been a long time since a writer made me laugh. another chapter I found myself with wet eyes. Story telling at its best. A simple life well lived…such a rarity in our culture. Worth the read or the listen. I also loved the reader’s voice, perfect for this story.

All creatures great and small - a simpler time

I liked that this autobiography took place during a time period that wasn’t cluttered with technology and all of the problems of the modern world. It shows country life in the UK through the eyes of a young veterinarian. This book could be enjoyed by all ages of people. I highly recommend it.

The best!;)

Fabulous, the very best of chucklin story telling. Can't wait to start the next installment...