James Herriot is the pen name of
James Alfred Wight (
October 3,
1916 -
February 23,
1995). Wight was a
vet (animal doctor) who worked in
Yorkshire,
England, but was better known as the author of a series of books about his life working as a vet and training in the
RAF during the
Second World War.
The books, which told of many comic incidents in his career working for farmers and townsfolk in Yorkshire, were exceptionally popular, and by the time of his death he was one of the UK's best-selling authors. The books were made into two films and a major BBC television series.
Works include:
- 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)
- James Herriot's Yorkshire (1979)
- The Lord God Made Them All (1981)
- Every Living Thing (1992)
Omnibus editions:
- All Creatures Great and Small (1972) (incorporating If Only They Could Talk/It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet)
- All Things Bright and Beautiful (1974) (Let Sleeping Vets Lie/Vet in Harness)
- All Things Wise and Wonderful (1977) (Vets Might Fly/Vet in a Spin)
Official tribute (http://www.jamesherriot.com/)
http://www.hambleton.gov.uk/hambleton/herriot.nsf/pages/herriot.html The World of James Herriot] -- scenes form Herriot's life in Thirsk
Fan site (http://geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/3907/)