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All Things Bright and Beautiful

The Classic Memoirs of a Yorkshire Country Vet

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About this listen

The second collection of memoirs from the author who inspired the BBC and Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small.

Now settled into the sleepy Yorkshire village of Darrowby, and married to Helen the farmer’s daughter, James Herriot thinks he’s finally got himself sorted. But life as a vet in the 1930s was never going to be easy. Quite aside from his unpredictable colleagues, brothers Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, he must contend with new-fangled medical techniques, delivering calves after far too much home-made wine, and a grudge-holding dog called Magnus who never forgets. And then, with Britain on the verge of war, James faces a decision that could separate him from Darrowby – and Helen – for ever . . .

Since they were first published, James Herriot’s memoirs have sold millions of copies and entranced generations of animal lovers. Charming, funny and touching, All Things Bright and Beautiful is a heart-warming story of determination, love and companionship from one of Britain’s best-loved authors.

'I grew up reading James Herriot's books and I'm delighted that thirty years on, they are still every bit as charming, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny as they were then' – Kate Humble

'Herriot's enchanting tales of life in the Dales are deservedly classics. Full of extraordinary characters, animal and human, the books never fail to delight' – Amanda Owen, bestselling author of The Yorkshire Shepherdess

This omnibus edition comprises the majority of chapters from Let Sleeping Vets Lie and Vets in Harness.

Agricultural & Food Sciences Animal Husbandry Animals Biological Sciences Medical Outdoors & Nature Pets & Animal Care Professionals & Academics Science Memoir Funny Feel-Good Heartfelt England

Critic reviews

Bulls with sunstroke, pigs on the run and a cake-eating Peke with a betting habit . . . I grew up reading James Herriot's book and I'm delighted that thirty years on they are still every bit as charming, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny as they were then (Kate Humble)
Herriot's enchanting tales of life in the Dales are deservedly classics. Full of extraordinary characters, animal and human, the books never fail to delight (Amanda Owen, bestselling author of The Yorkshire Shepherdess)
Herriot's enchanting tales of life in the Dales are deservedly classics. Full of extraordinary characters, animal and human, the books never fail to delight (Amanda Owen, bestselling author of The Yorkshire Shepherdess)
On original release in the 1970s, James Herriot's insights into the life of a working vet were so popular and enchanting to readers that the area of the Yorkshire Dales in which he practised became known as 'James Herriot country'
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have read it years ago along with the other James Herriot books, but really enjoyed listening to it again.

loved it

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Really enjoyed Christopher Timothy’s reading, he was obviously very invested in this and it was as if the author himself was reflecting. So much life and warmth in Herriot’s writing.

Christopher Timothy was maybe the obvious choice but also the best choice

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Christopher Timothy narrates the real life story with such empathy and superb intonation. A joy to listen to as he transports you back to the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s.

A great listen

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A very good listen apart from the silly music. An excellent story and a great narrator.

Good Listen

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Absolutely love this set of books. I remember some of the stories from the original series. Much loved

Best I have listened to

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