James Herriot is the pen name of British veterinary surgeon and author James Alfred Wright.
Wright became a vet in 1949 and retired from practice in 1980. His wife encourages him to start writing when he was 50.
The stories in his first two books are based on the year he started working in Thirsk and during the Second World War. Herriot’s books have been adapted into several films and television series. Because of Herriot’s work, Thirsk has become a tourist magnet.
Following his death, his practice was restored and converted into a museum that focuses on his life and writings.
James Herriot Books in Order
1) All Creatures Great and Small (incorporates If Only They Could Talk, and It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet) (1972)
In this book, we meet a young James Herriot as he lands a job at a rural veterinary practice in Yorkshire, England, during the Great Depression. This book also recounts his experience working and living with Siegfried Farnon and his brother, including his comings and goings at Skeldale House. The book is filled with quirky interactions with Dale’s farmers and townspeople as he cares for their animals.
2) All Things Bright and Beautiful (incorporates Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vet in Harness) (1974)
All Things Bright Beautiful is the second volume of James Herriot’s memoirs. This book starts off in a sleepy Yorkshire village right after he gets married to Helen, the farmer’s daughter. However, life as a vet is hard, as James must contend with new medical techniques and deliver calves after drinking a lot of wine. But worse of all, he must contend with the fact that the British are on the verge of war, which means he will be separated from his wife for a long time.
3) All Things Wise and Wonderful (incorporates Vets Might Fly and Vet in a Spin) (1977)
All Things Wise and Wonder is the third installment in James Herriot’s memoir series. In this installment, Herriot begins his military service in Britain’s Royal Air Force. It follows him through the rigors of basic training along with the heartache of being away from his wife, Helen. It also includes stories from Herriot’s time as a country vet and his time in the RAF.
4) The Lord God Made Them All (1981)
Set in post-war life in Darrowby, The Lord God Made Them All, Herriot is back home from the RAF. While there have been many advances in the veterinary field, the hard-working locals of Darrowby haven’t changed a bit. Now, Herriot makes occasional veterinary calls that include his two young children. This book also recounts the time Herriot visited Russia and Istanbul as a supervisory veterinarian.
5) Every Living Thing (1992)
James Herriot’s Every Living Things is a non-fiction, humorous memoir that includes familiar faces like Herriot’s children Rosie and Jimmy whilst simultaneously introducing new ones. This final memoir by James Herriot is a must-read for every animal lover that wants to read a wholesome and genuine book about a man tending to rare creatures.
6) James Herriot’s Dog Stories (1986)
James Herriot’s Dog Stories is a complete collection of dog stories from the beloved author’s memoirs. These stories are bound to warm the hearts of dog lovers around the world.
7) James Herriot’s Cat Stories (1994)
Love cats? Then you’ll love the book. In this book, we will meet Buster, a kitten who arrived on Christmas, Alfred, the cat at the sweet shop, and little Emily, who lived with the gentleman tramp. These stories are memorable and heartwarming. They are the perfect blend of wit and human compassion.
8) James Herriot’s Yorkshire Stories (1998)
In Yorkshire Stories, James Herriot recounts the times when the telephone would ring in the middle of the night to summon him to take care of the sick animal. It includes tales about cows, dogs, Shire horses, goats, and orphaned lambs. This book also introduces many fascinating characters who were part of his life.
9) James Herriot’s Animal Stories (2015)
James Herriot’s Animal Stories is a collection of tales about James Herriot’s encounters with various members of the animal kingdom. In this novel, James Herriot shares his adventures and misadventures when he deals with pet owners and landowners.
Also Read: Magic Tree House Books in Order
Books For Children
1) Moses the Kitten (1984)
In this book, the wonderful James Herriot tells the story of Moses the Kitten, a tiny kitten found beside a frozen pond. He is nursed back to health on a nearby farm.
2) Only One Woof (1985)
Gyp is a sweet but silent sheepdog who is separated from his favourite puppy playmate at a young age. The two are reunited later with a surprising response from Gyp.
3) The Christmas Day Kitten (1986)
Debbie, an independent stray cat finds her way into a loving home with two dogs.
4) Bonny’s Big Day (1987)
Farmer Skipton’s beloved cart horse Bonny comes out of retirement for a very special day in the town in this endearing children’s book.
5) Blossom Comes Home (1988)
Blossom a twelve-year-old cow is too old for milking and is ready to be slaughtered. However, when James Herriot goes on to check on Mrs. Pickering’s basset hounds, he finds out that Blossom has a surprise in store.
6) The Market Square Dog (1989)
A policeman saves the day when he takes in a friendly stray dog that comes to beg in the Darrowby village square.
7) Oscar, Cat-About-Town (1990)
The Herriots are left with a stray cat after a little girl wants them to nurse him back to health. As Oscar becomes healthy, James Herriot’s wife takes him into their home and he soon becomes a part of their family. But Oscar likes to run away and go on little adventures to the funniest places.
8) Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb (1991)
Published in 1991, this children’s book by James Herriot tells the story of Smudge, an adorable black-and-white lamb who lives in Farmer Cobb’s farmyard with his mother and other animals. One day, Smudge decides to explore his surroundings and hops the fence but his glorious adventure comes to an end when he discovers that he can’t get back in the compound.
9) James Herriot’s Treasury for Children (1992)
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children is a collection of James Herriot’s delightful tales. It includes beloved characters such as Oscar, Cat-About-Town, and The Christmas Day Kitten.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order of the James Herriot books?
The correct order of the James Herriot books is by their publication order:
- If Only They Could Talk (1970)
- It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1972)
- Let Sleeping Vets Lie (1973)
- Vet in Harness (1974)
- Vets Might Fly (1976)
- Vet in a Spin (1977)
- The Lord God Made Them All (1981)
- Every Living Thing (1992)
- James Herriot’s Dog Stories (1986)
- James Herriot’s Cat Stories (1994)
- James Herriot’s Yorkshire Stories (1998)
- James Herriot’s Animal Stories (2015)
How many books are in the All Creatures Great and Small series?
There are 8 books in the All Creature Great and Small series:
- If Only They Could Talk (1970)
- It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet (1972)
- Let Sleeping Vets Lie (1973)
- Vet in Harness (1974)
- Vets Might Fly (1976)
- Vet in a Spin (1977)
- The Lord God Made Them All (1981)
- Every Living Thing (1992)