James Herriot's animal stories

Just in time for the holiday season comes another posthumous collection of the veterinarian's animal stories. This volume includes 10 of the prolific author's most popular tales of animal husbandry, accompanied by Lesley Holmes' soft watercolor illustrations and an introduction by Jim Wight, Herriot's son, who is also a practicing veterinarian. There is nothing new or unusual in this vaguely familiar compilation of stories about cats, dogs, horses, cows, goats, and the uncomplicated, simple lifestyles of the farmers and villagers of England's Yorkshire countryside. Herriot's stories are interesting and enjoyable to read, not only for his portrayal of Yorkshire and its quirky inhabitants but also for his insightful take on human-animal relationships. Fans will not be disappointed. --Kathleen Hughes

Read by the actor Christopher Timothy, who portrayed Herriot on the BBC series, this production includes ten delightful stories drawn from four British tapes of Herriot's works. They begin with the young veterinarian's adventures in his developing practice, progress through his romance with Helen to his experiences as a more mature veterinary surgeon. His stories paint vivid pictures of the people and Yorkshire countryside that he loved, and the brutally cold winters through which he suffered. Using his flexible voice with great skill, Timothy does a superb job of defining the various characters. A rather long introduction written by Herriot's son and read monotonously by the production manager adds a little personal information about the brilliant writer, who died in 1995. Libraries whose patrons continue to enjoy the Herriot books and tapes will not go wrong in purchasing this one.‘Carolyn Alexander, Brigadoon Lib., Salinas, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The Herriot industry never sleeps. Here is a repackaging of ten of the amiable Yorkshire vet's stories, drawn from several of his bestselling volumes, including All Creatures Great and Small (1972) and All Things Bright and Beautiful (1974). Featuring an introduction by Herriot's son (who took over his practice), and color illustrations by Lesley Holmes, the collection serves as a succinct reminder of the reasons for Herriot's success: his clear love of animals, his ability to match a droll wit (often exercised at his own expense) with lively sketches of shrewd country people, and his great skill at keeping his tales short and to the point. Fans won't need the volume, though newcomers may find it a useful introduction. (Literary Guild alternate selection)