All Creatures Great and Small,   ISBN:9780312330859

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All Creatures Great and Small opens an unforgettable series of personal memoirs by a country veterinarian in 1940's Yorkshire (also known as James Alfred Wight). These are written in a series of short chapter vignettes, with a warm, wry humor that vividly, affectionately, and sometimes mercilessly captures human nature in the context of this cultural scene. Many descriptions are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and will be spontaneously read aloud to the nearest listener. But Herriot is no cynic -- his writing pokes fun at himself at least as often as others, and his self-deprecating wit provides an appeal that is near irresistible. This first book in the series follows Herriot's starting-out years as a vet, his induction into Siegfried Farnon's local practice, his adjustment to the local ways and customs, and his courtship of the lovely Helen Alderson.

A country vet's life involves a lot of bloody and sometimes gross work, which will appeal to some readers and may repel others. There is an obvious appeal for animal lovers and potential medical students, as he treats both pets and farm animals, and Herriot sets a good moral example through his kindhearted willingness to undergo inconvenience and indignity for the sake of the animals under his care. Implicit throughout his books is the belief that humans have a responsibility to provide good care to the animals who serve them.

In his portrayal of his Yorkshire clients, he attempts to capture the flavor of their speech, and this does include some profanities. The words "bloody," "hell," and "bugger" appear fairly frequently, but there are few American swear words. Parents ought to use discretion, but I don't think this element should not be too harmful for mature readers.

Because some of the humor is rather sophisticated and Herriot's prose is sometimes difficult, I recommend this for ages 16-18, but if enjoyed with a parent it is quite likely to appeal to younger readers, especially those who have enjoyed Herriot's stories for children James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small.

Customer Rating: 

I read this book many years ago. Recently, I had it sent to a grandson who loves animals.

Customer Rating: 

ames Herriot is a vet in Yorkshire, England, during the 1940's. He is assigned to the practice of Siegfried Farnon, who (together with his mischievous brother Tristan) already have a successful business. James undergoes a variety of adventures during his work, which are just as often caused by the characters of the county (including the Farnon brothers) as the animals in his care.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075472/

Customer Rating: 

Having recently acquired a small farm, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Herriot's tales. And I have actually gained a great knowledge of animal care through his stories. A must read!

Customer Rating: 

I have read several of Mr. Herriot's veterinary adventures and have delighted in all of them. His writing takes me back to a better place on this earth when life made sense. I will always cherish his little experiences and I have a greater appreciation for the country vet's talents and humor. What a dedicated lot they are.