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All Creatures Great and Small #4
Vet in Harness
The Yorkshire dales have never seemed more beautiful for James - now he has a lovely wife by his side, a partner's plate on the gate and the usual menagerie of farm animals, pets and owners demanding his constant attention and teaching him a few lessons along the way.
All of the old Darrowby friends are on top form - Siegfried thashes round the practice, Tristan occasionally buckles down for finals and James is signed up for a local cricket team.
'He can tell a good story against himself, and his pleasure in the beauty of the countryside in which he works is infectious' The "Daily Telegraph"
'Full of warmth, wisdom and wit' The "Field"
'It is a pleasure to be in James Herriot's company' "Observer "
All of the old Darrowby friends are on top form - Siegfried thashes round the practice, Tristan occasionally buckles down for finals and James is signed up for a local cricket team.
'He can tell a good story against himself, and his pleasure in the beauty of the countryside in which he works is infectious' The "Daily Telegraph"
'Full of warmth, wisdom and wit' The "Field"
'It is a pleasure to be in James Herriot's company' "Observer "
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
64 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
263books3,246followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic � animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn � about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic � animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn � about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 29, 2018
Vet in Harness is the fourth book in the All creatures Great and Small series by James Herriot. This is such a delightful and ever so entertaining series. As we follow the Yorkshire vet on his daily rounds we the reader are taken on a fantastic journey and we get a glimpse into the long, stressful and rewarding days a vet endures.
I thoroughly loved this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
I thoroughly loved this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
May 28, 2024
I don’t write reviews.
I adore these tales. They move me and bring me such joy, even through the sadness, such hope, even through the heartbreak, such nostalgia for home, even though I’ve never been.
I adore these tales. They move me and bring me such joy, even through the sadness, such hope, even through the heartbreak, such nostalgia for home, even though I’ve never been.
February 17, 2022
Another great edition to the James Herriot series of books. I did enjoy it but didn't think it was as good as the previous ones. I know the books are mainly about his own experiences but I would have liked a bit more of Siegfried in this one. He's such a character and his antics, as described by James, are hilarious and add to the anecdotes.
This one ends with James going to war and is quite poignant.
This one ends with James going to war and is quite poignant.
March 1, 2024
The one in which we learn hopefulness and courage from Herriot:
The bittersweet ending of an era
WWII
Leaving his pregnant wife and dog, Sam
Saying goodbye to Siegfried and Tristan
He doesn’t know if he will be one of the fortunate to return and yet Herriot keeps a brave face.
“I wish I had known then that it was not the end of everything. I wish I had known it was only the beginning. But at that moment I knew only that soon I would be far from here;�
January 8, 2013
I'm biased - I love EVERYTHING James Herriot wrote. He's truly one of my fave authors, and I think I like this book best because...he didn't make me weep in this one :) The narrator is the actor who played the good vet on the BBC production of All Creatures Great and Small, and he does a smashing job reading the books as well as his television portrayal of Jim Herriot.
Luv.
Just...Luv.
Luv.
Just...Luv.
February 21, 2021
Another wonderful book in the series. Loved this one as much as the others.
January 14, 2008
Loved all the James Herriot books. My parents began to read them when I was maybe 10 or so and they would laugh out loud but I was far too cool to read what my parents did until one day I had a miserable toothache/earache and to take my mind off it I began to read one of this series of books. I too ended up laughing and simply being transported away to a different time, yet with places that seemed comfortingly familiar. (I'm from Yorkshire originally and was living there at this time.) I wrote my first ever fan letter to anyone, to James Herriot, and he replied! I was smitten and even investigated on my own to find out his real name! I also loved how he began to write the books kind of from a dare from his wife! And that he began them later in life. All things encouraging there!
May 17, 2020
I keep saying I will read something else, but I don't. Think I'll just finish the box set now, I'm really enjoying them ☺️
August 7, 2023
What an amazing story teller. Despite the tiny print, and the pages literally falling apart as I read this, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great to be transported back to Saturday evenings watching All Creatures Great and Small on BBC - and by the way whoever did the casting for that first tv series was fantastic!
The author's love of animals shines through and there are some wonderful parts where he talks about the joy of owning pets. Sign of the times it was written in was the - not disrespectful - but language about some of the female characters: "little wife", "pretty".
Another sign of the times (1930s) was the immense amount of drinking and driving that went on!
Ends, very sadly, with the author leaving for the war - so hard to imagine just leading your normal life one day, and then the next catching a train and, for many, never going home again.
Link to other book: the audiobook I started (unfortunately!) listening to while reading this has one of the central characters as a vet. Not as likeable obviously as 'James Herriot'.
The author's love of animals shines through and there are some wonderful parts where he talks about the joy of owning pets. Sign of the times it was written in was the - not disrespectful - but language about some of the female characters: "little wife", "pretty".
Another sign of the times (1930s) was the immense amount of drinking and driving that went on!
Ends, very sadly, with the author leaving for the war - so hard to imagine just leading your normal life one day, and then the next catching a train and, for many, never going home again.
Link to other book: the audiobook I started (unfortunately!) listening to while reading this has one of the central characters as a vet. Not as likeable obviously as 'James Herriot'.
October 12, 2017
One of my favorites since I was a child. I can read over and over again. The audio version is quite simply magical!
April 10, 2021
Re-reading a favourite author and enjoying it all over again.
December 31, 2023
Phew, got the goal my partner set for me without knowing haha, just in time, and with another James Herriot, wow what a tough ending, but as always I do love his writing style so very much.
February 5, 2025
Lovely.Perfect.
December 14, 2022
War looms more on the horizon here, but not dwelt on too much - refuge in the simple rituals of country life
February 8, 2018
Loved it!
September 22, 2024
A new stage in Herriot's vet life =; starting with his new married life, along with Helen, and ending with his departure for London on his way to military where he volunteered soon after the war started (not that the story depicts anything about their lives after the war started).
His telling about that great surgeon colleague with huge appetite for both food and drink is quite hilarious.
Mentioning about Helen being pregnant and Siegfried's brother, Tristan< finally finishing his studies and becoming a full vet himself were strangely short.
His telling about that great surgeon colleague with huge appetite for both food and drink is quite hilarious.
Mentioning about Helen being pregnant and Siegfried's brother, Tristan< finally finishing his studies and becoming a full vet himself were strangely short.
August 17, 2022
My favourite so far of the James Herriot series.
I've never been a fan of nonfiction, but these books are the ultimate exception. So much emotion and dedication are kept inside these books. So are writing skills I haven't seen in many other books. James Herriot keeps one engaged in a way other authors sometimes lack to. These works of art are classics, humorous and beautiful all at once.
Please save yourself some time to read these books. They won't disappoint.
I've never been a fan of nonfiction, but these books are the ultimate exception. So much emotion and dedication are kept inside these books. So are writing skills I haven't seen in many other books. James Herriot keeps one engaged in a way other authors sometimes lack to. These works of art are classics, humorous and beautiful all at once.
Please save yourself some time to read these books. They won't disappoint.
July 28, 2014
James is now married to Helen, as he carries on working as a vet around the Darrowby area of Yorkshire. This one does have the occasional laugh out loud moment, but I did miss Siegfried and Tristan a lot, as they don't make much of an appearance in this book. But James Herriot's writing is as superb as ever, and he draws wonderful images of the people and animals he encounters.
October 17, 2013
Vet in Harness by James Herriot was another wonderful group of stories by a beloved author. It is the time before he goes into the service. I always feel I'd like to see the Yorkshire Dales when I read Herriot. I feel the wind in his words and the cold.
March 29, 2016
After reading from James Herriot's repertoire of heart-warming stories you are slipped into a pair of 1930s spectacles which changes your outlook, and makes you savour things you never knew where special.
June 30, 2017
As good as ever. Lighthearted, entertaining, informative - an all round good read.
September 28, 2017
Warm, entertaining and such a pleasant journey. Always love whatever James Herriot writes. Looking forward to the next one.
January 14, 2018
James Herriot's books are semi-autobiographical accounts of life as a country veterinarian in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. They consist of fairly short chapters, most of which are focused on a case of particular interest. Some of the ongoing themes are his documentation of rural life in Yorkshire during a time of social upheaval, the changing veterinary profession as new technologies arose, and his own lifelong love affair with the Yorkshire Dales. He writes with a lot of love and respect for his home and the people and animals that populate it and his descriptions of the Dales are incredibly beautiful.
I remember these books are being really wonderful to read, and they still are. Herriot has a lovely, funny writing style and he's not above poking gentle fun at his clients, himself, his colleagues, and of course the animals. He writes about animals in a clear-eyed but loving way and it makes each anecdote a joy to read. The books are also extremely interesting as a time capsule into a whole other era and world. I enjoyed the accounts of the veterinary life, but I also enjoyed the reflections on how time has changed the profession and the country he grew up in. I didn't realize these books weren't completely autobiographical until not long ago. The great amount of heart and detail in them speaks to the real James Herriot's affection for his life and vocation.
My editions of these books are venerable old editions that I acquired, probably literally half a lifetime ago, at a yard sale. I'm sure they'd be worth something to a collector somewhere if it weren't for the fact that they're very old paperbacks that are literally falling apart. I remember loving them dearly, enough to haul these aging books through multiple moves, but on this latest reread the joy had faded a little. Probably because I loved them so much that I've already memorized my favorite parts! But they are wonderful comfort reads, fascinating accounts of a very different and specific life. One day I would like to read the rest of Herriot's books and upgrade my copies to a new, hardier edition, for permanent inclusion in my library.
I remember these books are being really wonderful to read, and they still are. Herriot has a lovely, funny writing style and he's not above poking gentle fun at his clients, himself, his colleagues, and of course the animals. He writes about animals in a clear-eyed but loving way and it makes each anecdote a joy to read. The books are also extremely interesting as a time capsule into a whole other era and world. I enjoyed the accounts of the veterinary life, but I also enjoyed the reflections on how time has changed the profession and the country he grew up in. I didn't realize these books weren't completely autobiographical until not long ago. The great amount of heart and detail in them speaks to the real James Herriot's affection for his life and vocation.
My editions of these books are venerable old editions that I acquired, probably literally half a lifetime ago, at a yard sale. I'm sure they'd be worth something to a collector somewhere if it weren't for the fact that they're very old paperbacks that are literally falling apart. I remember loving them dearly, enough to haul these aging books through multiple moves, but on this latest reread the joy had faded a little. Probably because I loved them so much that I've already memorized my favorite parts! But they are wonderful comfort reads, fascinating accounts of a very different and specific life. One day I would like to read the rest of Herriot's books and upgrade my copies to a new, hardier edition, for permanent inclusion in my library.
August 11, 2021
I enjoyed this fourth volume of James Herriot's veterinary memoirs even more than the preceding volumes. This volume spends less time on farms with Jim elbow-deep in a cow's vagina, and more time with some of the smaller animals that a vet sometimes has to deal with, particularly dogs. There's also a slightly melancholy air to it, as although it's hardly mentioned, the War is looming. And indeed, this volume ends with Jim being called up to serve, along with his partner Siegfried and the newly qualified Tristan (Siegfried's brother), leaving the practice in the care of strangers.
Speaking of those two characters, another change to previous volumes is that they barely show up. There's an amusing story of Siegfried judging a Christmas cake and Tristan pranking a drunk who mistakes their surgery for the GP practice next door, but other than that, it's very much just Jim trudging through the Yorkshire hills and the characters he meets in his practice.
To make up for it to some degree, we're introduced to a new regular - the specialist small animal surgeon Granville Bennett, a larger than life character with whom Jim inexplicably tries to match drink for drink every time they meet up, and ends up consistently making a fool of himself, in an endearing way.
Like the other Herriot memoirs, this is a very gentle and readable book, where Herriot's love of the Yorkshire countryside is often to the fore. I look forward to the next one soon.
Speaking of those two characters, another change to previous volumes is that they barely show up. There's an amusing story of Siegfried judging a Christmas cake and Tristan pranking a drunk who mistakes their surgery for the GP practice next door, but other than that, it's very much just Jim trudging through the Yorkshire hills and the characters he meets in his practice.
To make up for it to some degree, we're introduced to a new regular - the specialist small animal surgeon Granville Bennett, a larger than life character with whom Jim inexplicably tries to match drink for drink every time they meet up, and ends up consistently making a fool of himself, in an endearing way.
Like the other Herriot memoirs, this is a very gentle and readable book, where Herriot's love of the Yorkshire countryside is often to the fore. I look forward to the next one soon.
May 29, 2021
This is the fourth book in this wonderful series, and we see James and Helen still living in their rooftop aerie above the clinic. Everything in Derbyshire is about the same, but the difference is that all three vets will be leaving shortly to join the war effort. James knows that once the war is over, and when everyone comes back, things will be changed forever. The Yorkshire countryside will still be there, and all the wonderful people and animals, but the world will not look the same. This thought makes it bittersweet for James as he makes his final rounds before he is called up. All the wonderful stories are here, but there is a touch of pathos in them. As usual the stories are warm and funny and utterly delightful. I have been really enjoying making my leisurely way through them. I still have four lovely books left to read, and am looking forward to disappearing into them and escapong from this crazy, mixed up world.
February 12, 2024
The fourth volume about a British vet in the 40's.
There are some lovely moments and sad ones, although I think it's starting to get a bit more repetitive, a bit less funny and less focused.
The highlights for me were near the beginning, with an unfortunate budgie and an artist's dog. Also near the end, a part with a runaway bull, for a great twist.
This volume also suffers from fewer appearances from the mischievous Tristan and his older vet brother Siegfried (although a moment involving him, near the end is a highlight,) although, this being mostly non-fiction it's harder to make stuff up to include them. I noticed it could get a bit sizeist at parts. It also didn't affect me as emotionally, although it could still be moving and joyful.
Not the best in the series so far, but still in many ways, a delight.
There are some lovely moments and sad ones, although I think it's starting to get a bit more repetitive, a bit less funny and less focused.
The highlights for me were near the beginning, with an unfortunate budgie and an artist's dog. Also near the end, a part with a runaway bull, for a great twist.
This volume also suffers from fewer appearances from the mischievous Tristan and his older vet brother Siegfried (although a moment involving him, near the end is a highlight,) although, this being mostly non-fiction it's harder to make stuff up to include them. I noticed it could get a bit sizeist at parts. It also didn't affect me as emotionally, although it could still be moving and joyful.
Not the best in the series so far, but still in many ways, a delight.
September 19, 2022
Another great installment in the All Creatures Great and Small series. Here we see the beginnings of James' married life and his continued adventures as a country vet. Highlights include the budgie story, the pregnant lady, and James' discovery that simple sedation can itself be a cure. We are also introduced to one of my favorite characters, the small animal specialist Granville Bennett, whose generosity always leaves James drunk as a skunk and battling with indigestion. The end of the book has James celebrating a miracle cure by a new drug, the beginning of a new era of medicine due to advances in science. It's interesting to have a window into what things were like before antibiotics and how they changed everything.
March 31, 2023
Another humorous collection of Herriot’s stories � this one ends with him going off to war. It has some thoughtful moments, great characterizations, and beautiful depictions of the countryside.
But I laughed the most at his description of the dogs that took offense at him helping them � especially the one that would run out and nip at his heels!
PS Why did he feel the need to drink just as much as the large vet who specialized in small animal surgery?! Was that out of politeness? Is it a rule that if your host offers you a glass you must drink it even if you have already had one?! They made for funny anecdotes but I was confused why he felt the need to try and “hold his own� as in a contest with the big guy
But I laughed the most at his description of the dogs that took offense at him helping them � especially the one that would run out and nip at his heels!
PS Why did he feel the need to drink just as much as the large vet who specialized in small animal surgery?! Was that out of politeness? Is it a rule that if your host offers you a glass you must drink it even if you have already had one?! They made for funny anecdotes but I was confused why he felt the need to try and “hold his own� as in a contest with the big guy
October 4, 2022
Growing up I remember watching the tv adaptation of these books with my parents, I loved the animals and the heroism the vets provided. Helen was always a favourite of mine, the way she matched her husband in wit and wisdom and sheer determination. It’s a joy to read the books, discovering each character again and gaining an insight into the extent to which their qualities were displayed. Tristan really was that devious but kindhearted and well meaning. Siegfried was that argumentative but hilariously stubborn. Finally, James was just as I expected and wanted him to be, warm, joyful and devoted.
September 8, 2024
I considered a career as a veterinarian, and even began college with that goal in mind, largely because of Harriot's stories, and I continued to enjoy them as I reached adulthood although the dream of working in the field fell by the wayside. Relatively simple, easy to digest tales that give a nice insight into the work, clients, and animals he found interesting and memorable as he labored in Yorkshire. I recommend his stories to anyone he voices an interest in such work. It was never an easy profession, especially with the large farm animals, but he always seemed to make it appear both rewarding and fascinating.
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