James Herriot, the pen name of James Alfred Wight, was an English veterinary surgeon and writer who won the hearts of millions with his heartwarming, humorous, and richly detailed stories about life as a country vet. Born on October 3, 1916, in Sunderland, England, Herriot’s tales offer a blend of warmth, wit, and a deep love for animals that has endeared him to readers around the world.
Herriot’s literary journey began with “If Only They Could Talk” (1970), the first in a series of books that chronicle his experiences as a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales. His stories paint a vivid picture of rural life, the ups and downs of veterinary work, and the characterful people and animals he encountered. These stories were not just anecdotes; they were reflections of Herriot’s genuine affection and respect for both the farming community and the animal world.
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Herriot’s writing is his ability to convey the beauty and challenges of veterinary practice with humor and empathy. His books, including “All Creatures Great and Small,” “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” and “All Things Wise and Wonderful,” are imbued with a sense of wonder and compassion, offering a delightful escape to a simpler time and place.
Herriot’s work extends beyond his written stories. His books inspired a successful BBC television series, “All Creatures Great and Small,” bringing his charming tales to an even wider audience. The series captured the spirit of Herriot’s work, combining pastoral beauty with the gritty realities of farm life.
James Herriot’s contribution to literature is marked by his ability to capture the essence of a bygone era with warmth, humor, and a keen observational eye. His stories transcend the genre of veterinary memoirs, offering timeless tales of life, community, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. Herriot passed away in 1995, but his legacy lives on, as his books continue to be cherished by generations of readers.
Below is a list of all his books in chronological order of publication.
All Creatures Great and Small Books In Order of Publication
| If Only They Could Talk | (1970) |
| All Creatures Great and Small | (1972) |
| It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet | (1972) |
| Let Sleeping Vets Lie | (1973) |
| Vet in Harness | (1974) |
| All Things Bright and Beautiful | (1974) |
| Vets Might Fly | (1976) |
| All Things Wise and Wonderful | (1976) |
| The Lord God Made Them All | (1981) |
| Vet in a Spin | (1984) |
“Smudge Books” In Order Of Publication
| Smudge, The Little Lost Lamb | (1991) |
| Smudge’s Day Out | (1991) |
James Herriot Short Story Collections In Order of Publication
| The Best of James Herriot | (1983) |
| Horse & Pony Stories | (1986) |
| The Wonderful World of James Herriot: A Charming Collection of Classic Stories | (2023) |
Publication Order of Picture Books
| Bonny’s Big Day | (1972) |
| Moses the Kitten | (1984) |
| Only One Woof | (1985) |
| The Christmas Day Kitten | (1986) |
| Blossom Comes Home | (1988) |
| The Market Square Dog | (1989) |
| Oscar, Cat-About-Town | (1990) |
| The Animals at Diamond Woods | (2009) |
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
| Animal Stories, Tame & Wild | (1979) |
| James Herriot’s Yorkshire | (1979) |
| All Creatures Great and Small Annual 1982 | (1981) |
| James Herriot’s Favorite Dog Stories | (1986) |
| James Herriot’s Dog Stories | (1986) |
| Greatest Cat Stories | (1989) |
| James Herriot Story Book | (1992) |
| Every Living Thing | (1992) |
| James Herriot’s Treasury for Children | (1992) |
| James Herriot’s Cat Stories | (1994) |
| Seven Yorkshire tales | (1995) |
| James Herriot’s Yorkshire Stories | (1995) |
| James Herriot’s Yorkshire Village | (1995) |
| James Herriot’s Animal Stories | (1997) |
| Yorkshire Stories | (1998) |
| James Herriot’s Yorkshire Revisited | (1999) |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Famous and Curious Animal Stories | (1989) |
| Christmas Cats | (2005) |