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345th out of 359 books
—
36 voters
The Best of James Herriot: The Favorite Stories of One of the Most Beloved Writers of Our Time
The Best of James Herriot is one of the most extraordinary volumes ever devoted to the work and world of a contemporary writer. Within its covers are unforgettable episodes from the remarkable series of memoirs that began with All Creatures Great and Small-"the ones my family and I have laughed at over the years and the ones my readers have said they most enjoyed," as Herr
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Hardcover, The Complete Edition Updated and Expanded, 544 pages
Published
September 28th 1998
by St. Martin's Press
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Loved it, loved it, loved it! This book slides nicely and effortlessly into my personal faves category. It really is… “The Best of James Herriot!” (Funny how the title of a book can be so descriptive:) Herriot’s bachelor days are the most entertaining to me, probably because there is more of Tristan and Siegfried. I was glad to see that Tristan seems to become a respectable citizen later in life, but he was a lot funnier when he was a good-for-nothin’, lazy, loafing, destroy-everything-he-touche...more
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I'm sorry this took me so long to read Lisa. I started this book well over two months ago on a trip down to St. George. When the trip was over, I was almost half way finished with it; then school started and work picked up and I didn't have time to breath, let alone read anything. With school in session I figured out that if I took the book on tests days, I could read after I was through with my test, and while I waited for my friend to finish hers. Today was a test day, and that is why this boo...more
I have such a fond spot in my heart for James Herriot, I'll admit it. His love for his life is inspiring. He loves taking care of these animals, he loves the place he lives and he loves his family, especially his beloved wife Helen, and it shines through in these semi-autobiographical memoirs of his life as a country vet in England Yorkshire area, specifically, the Dales.
The author of All Creatures Great and Small, and several other books chronicling his adventures with Seigfried and Tristan, pu...more
The author of All Creatures Great and Small, and several other books chronicling his adventures with Seigfried and Tristan, pu...more
This is for you Lisa D.! It is my understanding that several people have declined the offer from our dear friend, and book supplier Lisa D., to read this amazing book! I understand the mere size of it makes it appear to be a daunting task but you couldn't be more wrong! I loved this book! His ability to tell stories is truly a gift. I found myself laughing out loud and yes, occasionally, shedding a tear as he wove me into his many and varied experiences as a Country Vet. He was quirky and charmi...more
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I laughed until I cried at his stories. Not only a gifted Veterinarian, but just as good with a pen. Even today 15 years after reading the book, (everyone in ht e family read it) all we have to do is say a word or two and everyone begins to laugh. It's a treasure for sure. I heartily recommend this book to anyone that can use a good dose of real life humor after reading a series of intense dramas or history books.
when i was little, my grandparents gave me this book for Christmas. The pictures of Herriot's countryside made/make me want to visit the dales. The stories are hilarious, sweet, and sad--characteristics often applicable to literature about animals.
James Harriot is the best 'animal author' - he brings tears to your eyes through his tales and also paints a lovely picture of the English countryside. I find myself missing England every time I read a work of his.
I'm re-reading books that I own. This is a favorite with many short stories. Anyone that isn't reading James Herriot to their children should be.
Fantastic light read. Stories are great of a small English town filled with humor. The version I read was also filled with drawings in the margins with small snippets of text describing animals, tools and foods. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to anyone. I will be finding more books by this author to read-I am hooked!
I loved this book.... i would recommend that anyone who enjoys animals and humor to read this book.It provided me with lots of laughs. Just a story of a down to earth, back-country vet!!
I enjoyed this book not only for the stories, but also for the many photographs included of the places he describes in his stories.
Is this book about people's pets or pets' people or both? I love the writings of James Herriot for so many reasons! I can pick up one of his books and read from cover to cover or just a story at a time, and in either situation I come away satisfied. I laugh, I learn about animals and medicine, I reflect on human nature and families, I am transported to another era. It's always an enjoyable experience:)
This edition in particular is fun because it contains sections of interest to Herriot's readers...more
This edition in particular is fun because it contains sections of interest to Herriot's readers...more
This is a large edition of selected stories that were included in his original books printed the 60s and 70s. Also include in the book are numerous pages of delightful colored pictures of Yorkshire and the areas where Herriot practiced his medicine. While I read most his books originally, most of these stories were ‘like new’ to me. This was a Reader’s Digest edition printed in 1982. Herriot is a wonderful story teller. I would recommend this edition if you can find it. The beautiful color photo...more
A book that one can open at any time, read a story or two, and go back to life a little happier.
Wonderful memories shared in funny, touching words. I really enjoyed this book.
These stories will always be some of my favorites.
I just love his stories and have since I was a kid. It makes me feel good to read them. :)
love Blossom
Wonderful stories from his practice as a vet.
I'm a big James Herriot fan. My dad had this great, oversized, hardcover edition of the 'best of' when I was a kid, and it was a favorite I'd curl up with on sick days. I think his stories are best read aloud, if you can make it through some of them without laughing too much and sounding incoherent, or best listened to on audio tape. James Herriot is also my go to guy for listening materials if I ever go on road trips with my parents.
I have of course read all the James Herriots before, but I LOVE this edition! This not only has all the beloved stories, but also includes beautiful photos of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas that Herriot writes so much about along with write-ups about the history of the places.
It's my refuge now after each crappy day of work! Sorry -- just venting. But Herriot just lightens my mood!
It's my refuge now after each crappy day of work! Sorry -- just venting. But Herriot just lightens my mood!
I LOVED this book - I wasn't able to suppress my laughter at times... and 'that's' saying something! I've also read other collections of his, but would recommend this one since the stories (though a partial collection) are in chronological order so you keep track of persons etc. I adore his retelling of courtship blunders- READ IT!!
These are vet stories - so get ready for all sorts of fun!
These are vet stories - so get ready for all sorts of fun!
A very charming collection of stories, as I understand, based on the life of James Herriot as a vet in rural Yorkshire in the 1940's, but not necessarily entirely true! Wonderful descriptions of country life with colorful, lovable characters! A very hopeful outlook is pervasive throughout the book, which is an unusual thing in literature nowadays.
One of my all-time favorites! About a country veterinarian who lived in Yorkshire, England. You don't have to be an animal lover to enjoy this book--I'm not! I love the way he tells a story; so witty and warm and laugh-out-loud funny! I've read and re-read the stories in this book.
This is a delightful read. I have been reading it aloud to my children and we have all enjoyed it immensely! We've laughed and cried as we have shared the antics of this british country vet. I especially enjoy his use of language.
Mar 01, 2012
Melody
rated it
4 of 5 stars
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review of another edition
Shelves:
biographies,
true-stories
Loved it, apart from the offensive words sprinkled throughout. His pictures of the English countryside are dreamy, the animal stories interesting, and I can't wait to try the authentic recipes in the side columns!
Absolutely loved it! Totally delightful and highly recommended. It was our book club book. I was wary of "a lame animal story collection" and was joyously surprised to find it to be not lame at all!
I love the entire series of books, and watched the TV programs on Public TV. As a rule I enjoy all animal stories. Lot of humor in these books - and heartbreak at times. Marty
One of my most favorite books from when I was younger...seeing this here reminded me how much I enjoyed his stories so I'm going to find my copy and read it again!
Loved all of his vet stories. Warm the heart like Little House, only with more cow placentas and lame horses. Made me want to be a country vet (all over again).
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James 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...more
More about James Herriot...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow...more
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