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The Tales and Tails of a Yorkshire Vet: All in a Day's Work
The nation’s best-loved vet looks back at his long and highly successful career and recalls the funniest, the most absurd and the most heartbreaking animal encounters he’s had.
From lancing abscesses to carrying out castrations on young bulls; from clipping the claws of naughty cats to putting to sleep beloved pets whose lives have become too painful or uncomfortable to prolong - Peter’s done it all.
Meet Possum, the bad-tempered cat with overgrown claws who wasn’t going to surrender to the clippers without putting up a fight! Or the foul-mouthed parrot who liked to turn the air blue. Read about the escaped emu that needed to be taken home in a wheelbarrow. And let’s not forget Morris, the young stray cat who stole Peter’s heart.
The Tails and Tales of a Yorkshire Vet serves up another collection of wonderful stories from Peter’s life and work. Going back to his early years, he recalls some of the key moments of his career and his most memorable patients.
These tales will take you back to a simpler time when vets were on first-name terms with their clients and there was always time for a chat, a brew and, if you were lucky, a slice of cake.
From lancing abscesses to carrying out castrations on young bulls; from clipping the claws of naughty cats to putting to sleep beloved pets whose lives have become too painful or uncomfortable to prolong - Peter’s done it all.
Meet Possum, the bad-tempered cat with overgrown claws who wasn’t going to surrender to the clippers without putting up a fight! Or the foul-mouthed parrot who liked to turn the air blue. Read about the escaped emu that needed to be taken home in a wheelbarrow. And let’s not forget Morris, the young stray cat who stole Peter’s heart.
The Tails and Tales of a Yorkshire Vet serves up another collection of wonderful stories from Peter’s life and work. Going back to his early years, he recalls some of the key moments of his career and his most memorable patients.
These tales will take you back to a simpler time when vets were on first-name terms with their clients and there was always time for a chat, a brew and, if you were lucky, a slice of cake.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
32 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Peter Wright
4 books18 followersPeter Wright, BVSc, MRCVS
Peter qualified from the Univeristy of Liverpool in 1981 and has worked at Skeldale for longer than he cares to admit! He worked with Alf White and Donald Sinclair, the original James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon, and enjoys telling the younger vets tales from his time with them which leaves them wondering if he ever made an appearance in the James Herriot books!
Peter qualified from the Univeristy of Liverpool in 1981 and has worked at Skeldale for longer than he cares to admit! He worked with Alf White and Donald Sinclair, the original James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon, and enjoys telling the younger vets tales from his time with them which leaves them wondering if he ever made an appearance in the James Herriot books!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 13, 2023
loved this book about being a vet in north Yorkshire and for me bought back memories of the authors mentor James Herriot and his adventures of a vet and Peter brings it to the modern day being a vet
April 5, 2023
I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw it on Netgalley. I enjoy the tv series but, although the book was good I found it nit as good as the James Herriot books which are classics. Peter worked with James in his early years which I found interesting but I do prefer the originals which have a quaintness about them. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
Having enjoyed the television series, I decided to take the plunge and acquire the related book, and I wasn't disappointed. We are first introduced to Peter, his background, history and the rural area in which he works before he begins to address a range of the most memorable stories and experiences he has had as a veterinarian. Some are memorable for being highly amusing, some unusual, some emotional. If you have an interest in animals, vet work, rural countryside life and/or entertaining anecdotes then I recommend giving this a read.
April 30, 2023
What a wonderful book full of stories that made me cry and laugh. I loved reading how things have changed and meeting some of the fabulous characters, both human and animal, that he has met over the years!
April 28, 2023
I was given an ARC by the publisher, Mardle Books, in return for an honest review.
The First chapter made me wonder if this book was meant for the younger end of the market, however once the author had got through the quick look back the writing improved tremendously.
All the recollections are short but not in a bad way. They may me laugh at the situations that vets and the animals get themselves into. There are also the sad bits where people, including the vet himself, had to say, 'goodbye' to a much loved pet.
There are stories on how he came to look after a bullied duck who later thanked him by going elsewhere and the time he had a family of hedgehogs, rescued from a building yard, living in a little house he had hastily put together.
In all it is a lovely retelling of his life as a vet and I sincerely hope he finds the time to regale us with further tops and tails as his life as a vet.
The First chapter made me wonder if this book was meant for the younger end of the market, however once the author had got through the quick look back the writing improved tremendously.
All the recollections are short but not in a bad way. They may me laugh at the situations that vets and the animals get themselves into. There are also the sad bits where people, including the vet himself, had to say, 'goodbye' to a much loved pet.
There are stories on how he came to look after a bullied duck who later thanked him by going elsewhere and the time he had a family of hedgehogs, rescued from a building yard, living in a little house he had hastily put together.
In all it is a lovely retelling of his life as a vet and I sincerely hope he finds the time to regale us with further tops and tails as his life as a vet.
May 20, 2023
Living in New Zealander, I didn't know of Peter Wright or the TV programme. I selected this book based on the reference to Yorkshire Vet. This immediately stoked memories of the James Herriot books I keenly read as a youngster....the anthology still sits on my bookshelf.
And if I had a hard copy "The Tales and Tails of a Yorkshire Vet" would join it.
Humorous, emotional and painting a picture of the landscapes, weather, personalities and even buildings of Yorkshire farm life. And the more recent boom in domestic animal tales/tails....designer dogs and complex cats, shows the evolution of a rural practice from those early days of mainly farm work.
Peter writes as if your having a conversation and a jolly good laugh with him.
I must admit, I was prompted to see if I could find the TV programme here in NZ. I found an episode on YouTube and guess who it featured....The Greens. I could so picture a comical episode told in the book.
Highly recommend for all animal lovers.....informative as well as entertaining. What a memory Peter has!
Thanks to NetGalley, Peter Wright and Ad Lib Publishers for my copy.
And if I had a hard copy "The Tales and Tails of a Yorkshire Vet" would join it.
Humorous, emotional and painting a picture of the landscapes, weather, personalities and even buildings of Yorkshire farm life. And the more recent boom in domestic animal tales/tails....designer dogs and complex cats, shows the evolution of a rural practice from those early days of mainly farm work.
Peter writes as if your having a conversation and a jolly good laugh with him.
I must admit, I was prompted to see if I could find the TV programme here in NZ. I found an episode on YouTube and guess who it featured....The Greens. I could so picture a comical episode told in the book.
Highly recommend for all animal lovers.....informative as well as entertaining. What a memory Peter has!
Thanks to NetGalley, Peter Wright and Ad Lib Publishers for my copy.
April 12, 2023
3.75⭐️ which I have rounded up
I am a big fan of James Herriot reading all the books, even listening to some of them again on audiobook, watched the tv series old and new, and the films.
So I was keen to hear from the vet who worked with James Herriot aka James ‘Alf’ Wight. I might be setting myself up for a disappointment trying to recapture something that has passed.
It looks like the book is a collaboration with Nick Harding, from the acknowledgements.
As with the Herriot books it’s a collection of animal, and people stories. There are some very moving as well as amusing stories.
It doesn’t have the same seem less ease for me as the Herriot books, I think this might be more for fans of the tv show The Yorkshire vet than the Herriot books, especially as the characters will have faces to put to names. I enjoyed the recollections even though I’m not familiar with the tv series.
I am a big fan of James Herriot reading all the books, even listening to some of them again on audiobook, watched the tv series old and new, and the films.
So I was keen to hear from the vet who worked with James Herriot aka James ‘Alf’ Wight. I might be setting myself up for a disappointment trying to recapture something that has passed.
It looks like the book is a collaboration with Nick Harding, from the acknowledgements.
As with the Herriot books it’s a collection of animal, and people stories. There are some very moving as well as amusing stories.
It doesn’t have the same seem less ease for me as the Herriot books, I think this might be more for fans of the tv show The Yorkshire vet than the Herriot books, especially as the characters will have faces to put to names. I enjoyed the recollections even though I’m not familiar with the tv series.
April 19, 2023
As a fan of the Yorkshire Vet show on TV I was over the moon to get a copy of Peters book.
What a brilliant read. I couldn't put it down. I felt like I could hear his soft Yorkshire voice telling me of all the tales and adventures he has had over the decades. It was lovely to hear more about some of the other folk you see on the show as well. Also hearing more about Peters time working with Alf Wright (James Herriot). Times have changed dramatically but his love of animals certainly hasn't diminished.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals. It features all creatures great and small!!! Thanks to Netgalley and Mardle Books for the ARC Copy. This review is my own opinion.
What a brilliant read. I couldn't put it down. I felt like I could hear his soft Yorkshire voice telling me of all the tales and adventures he has had over the decades. It was lovely to hear more about some of the other folk you see on the show as well. Also hearing more about Peters time working with Alf Wright (James Herriot). Times have changed dramatically but his love of animals certainly hasn't diminished.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals. It features all creatures great and small!!! Thanks to Netgalley and Mardle Books for the ARC Copy. This review is my own opinion.
May 9, 2023
Interesting and fascinating. A lovely book.
This is the third book I have read from TV’s Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright. They’ve all been excellent, and I think this one is his best yet.
He grew up, and still lives in Thirsk. He did work experience at Donald Sinclair and Alf Wight's surgery, made famous in the James Herriot books. Alf's son became Peter's business partner in years to come at this same surgery.
This lovely book is packed full of heart-warming tales, funny stories, and some yukky/toe-curling anecdotes too. Life or death, and lighter moments to provide a chuckle too. He's seen it all.
A beautifully balanced book. So enjoyable and so easy to read. You can't help but lose yourself in it.
A great read which I really enjoyed.
This is the third book I have read from TV’s Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright. They’ve all been excellent, and I think this one is his best yet.
He grew up, and still lives in Thirsk. He did work experience at Donald Sinclair and Alf Wight's surgery, made famous in the James Herriot books. Alf's son became Peter's business partner in years to come at this same surgery.
This lovely book is packed full of heart-warming tales, funny stories, and some yukky/toe-curling anecdotes too. Life or death, and lighter moments to provide a chuckle too. He's seen it all.
A beautifully balanced book. So enjoyable and so easy to read. You can't help but lose yourself in it.
A great read which I really enjoyed.
June 7, 2023
Years ago, I read all the james Herriot and bought copies for my mom, who was a huge animal lover and thoroughly enjoyed books like those. When I saw this, I had to read it because of the memories I had of how wonderful the Herriot books were.
I was surprised to learn while reading the books that Peter worked with Herriot, who goes by a different name as Herriot is his pen name.
I don't remember Herriot's books having so many stories that made me cry as this one did. I might have to pull them all out again and see. I did enjoy this book and felt the writing style was engaging--almost like listening to someone you know who is a good storyteller. There were some amusing stories too as well as the sad ones.
I was surprised to learn while reading the books that Peter worked with Herriot, who goes by a different name as Herriot is his pen name.
I don't remember Herriot's books having so many stories that made me cry as this one did. I might have to pull them all out again and see. I did enjoy this book and felt the writing style was engaging--almost like listening to someone you know who is a good storyteller. There were some amusing stories too as well as the sad ones.
July 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Of course I have read, and seen the series of "All Creatures Great and small," and this book let me into some of the background of the series. But it gave me more than that, it allowed me to enjoy the people, the animals and the stories, which I had grown to love, though the eyes of Peter Wright. and the passage of time. The stories were heart warming but sad in the fact that these practices and farming communities are quickly fading and giving way of large holding and corporations. This was bought home to me a year ago, when I needed to call in a vet to take a look at our single sheep - all the vets are small animal only. Finally got a vet down from further afield, who as "an old fashioned" vet. A bit sad..
Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
April 3, 2023
I received a copy of "The Tales and Tails of a Yorkshire Vet. I enjoy reading books about animals. Peter Wright is a "Vet" In Yorkshire. I was delighted to read that he started his practice as a Vet with the famous James Herriot who he called by his real name, Alf Wight. He also worked with Herriot's son Jim. Later on he moved to another town to be a Veterinarian. He writes of the tragedies and happy endings in his practice. Some of the amusing times. His years on a tv show he did in Yorkshire. I rather enjoyed his book. Especially the chapter on Donkeys and other animals. He also writes about his own pets. A good read!
June 25, 2023
This book is an absolute treasure, a special kind of novel for all those who love animals.
The author has a special way of making the story entertaining and relatable. Life as a vet and all that goes with it is explained well, the reader will learn more than they think, about animals and people! All the emotions come out when you immerse yourself in this book.
I would recommend anyone who loves the TV show and of course animals, don’t miss out on this wonderful book!
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author Peter Wright for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..
The author has a special way of making the story entertaining and relatable. Life as a vet and all that goes with it is explained well, the reader will learn more than they think, about animals and people! All the emotions come out when you immerse yourself in this book.
I would recommend anyone who loves the TV show and of course animals, don’t miss out on this wonderful book!
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author Peter Wright for the opportunity to read this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..
July 17, 2023
I so loved this book by Vet Peter Wright. The author takes us along on his daily visits to animals in the Yorkshire Dales with all the humor and delight we animal lovers enjoy. I loved how he told the reader about the animals he himself owned and how much they each meant to him. He has infused so much humor throughout his daily life doing the work he dearly loves. This is a great book to read for all fans of Great And Small from the 80's . I highly recommend this wonderful book for your reading enjoyment. A must read for all animal lovers.
May 12, 2023
Such a great insight into the life of a vet. I love these kinds of TV programmes so I'm always keen to read the books based on the shows. I loved the little background info of some of the characters from All Creature's Great and Small.
As an animal lover, it was a mixed bag of emotions with births, deaths, and everything in between. I really enjoyed all the characters that Peter came across both humans and animals!
What a great collection of stories. I loved it
As an animal lover, it was a mixed bag of emotions with births, deaths, and everything in between. I really enjoyed all the characters that Peter came across both humans and animals!
What a great collection of stories. I loved it
August 31, 2023
A heartwarming memoir which is packed with humour as well as some heartbreaking tales.
The book leads us through Peter’s early life right up until the present day .
We learn about Peter’s own pets and also the loss of these pets and also how vet practices have changed from when he first qualified.
An easy to read and engaging book which had me shedding a few tears too.
A great companion to the Yorkshire Vet series .
A great read !
Thanks to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers.
The book leads us through Peter’s early life right up until the present day .
We learn about Peter’s own pets and also the loss of these pets and also how vet practices have changed from when he first qualified.
An easy to read and engaging book which had me shedding a few tears too.
A great companion to the Yorkshire Vet series .
A great read !
Thanks to NetGalley and Ad Lib Publishers.
September 11, 2023
I think i read all books Peter Wright wrote and watch whatever he did on tv. That said this is another lovely, heart-warming and well written book which tells about stories from the past, story of a vet's life and much more.
I had fun, I was moved and wanted to visit the places and meet those lovely people and animals.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I had fun, I was moved and wanted to visit the places and meet those lovely people and animals.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 6, 2024
Inspiring Read
Peter takes us on a journey through some of his more interesting adventures. We experience his love for his patients and clients, the highs and lows of his career and get a little insight into his personal life that, when all is summed up, lets us in on the secret of his success. He is truly wedded to his work and, I my eyes, stands out as one of the greatest members of his profession.
Peter takes us on a journey through some of his more interesting adventures. We experience his love for his patients and clients, the highs and lows of his career and get a little insight into his personal life that, when all is summed up, lets us in on the secret of his success. He is truly wedded to his work and, I my eyes, stands out as one of the greatest members of his profession.
March 8, 2024
The book had some touching and heartfelt moments, and the author has the distinction of having practiced with and learned from the real life James Herriot. He has apparently turned that relationship into a successful TV show and this book, but he doesn’t have the same storytelling ability as his mentor. Of course that’s an unfair criticism, because who does?
April 6, 2023
This is a charming story of a caring, experienced veterinarian in Yorkshire England. It reads a lot like James Herriot’s books, which this author was also in practice with along the way and who is mentioned throughout. I enjoyed the anecdotes and storytelling, and I learned quite a bit as well about various farm animals and cats and dogs. It was an enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.
April 8, 2023
being from yorkshire myself i thoroughly enjoyed this book and reading about the the characters and their pets he has met through his time as a vet.
it’s to read how his role as vet has changed through the years but he has so many memories which were great to read about
it’s to read how his role as vet has changed through the years but he has so many memories which were great to read about
June 27, 2023
Wow best yet
Wow this is Peter Wrights best book so far couldn't put it down lovely stories complimenting the TV programme definitely recommend if you love the programme you won't be disappointed
Wow this is Peter Wrights best book so far couldn't put it down lovely stories complimenting the TV programme definitely recommend if you love the programme you won't be disappointed
November 1, 2023
This is a book I've dipped in & out of for ages. It was a pleasant gentle read filled with stories both happy & sad. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
August 7, 2023
As a fan of the Yorkshire vet. I loved this book, full of funny anecdotes and laugh out loud moments.
March 12, 2025
A delightful bit of beautifully written rural escapism! I always have such a lovely nights sleep when I have been transported to the Yorkshire Dales before I nod off.
June 4, 2023
Another great read from Peter.
Much the same as his other books, these are more stories from his life as The Yorkshire Vet. I will never tire of reading these stories, either his or Julian's. I am not ashamed to say I'm obsessed with the Yorkshire Vet and love all the aspects of it. I love the stories and could read them all day long.
Much the same as his other books, these are more stories from his life as The Yorkshire Vet. I will never tire of reading these stories, either his or Julian's. I am not ashamed to say I'm obsessed with the Yorkshire Vet and love all the aspects of it. I love the stories and could read them all day long.
April 26, 2023
This book was a delight to read. All the stories and experiences were presented with wit and wisdom. These stories take you back to a time most of us haven’t seen or maybe even remember. Vets were an invaluable resource for the farmers and small animal owner alike. Most vets today see either large or small animals but usually not both. I loved how he knew his clients on a first name basis and looked forward to having a slice of cake with them. He shows such compassion and caring with his clients- both people and animals. The book tells of his early years and works through to present day with lots of fun and funny stories along the way. I enjoyed this book. If you like stories about the life and experiences of veterinarians, you’ll like this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 22, 2023
I love the Yorkshire Vet series on TV and have enjoyed all Peter's previous books. This is an interesting and entertaining account of his life as vet. What wealth of experience he has and the ability to tell a good story. I particularly like his down to earth nature, his sense of humour and his love for Yorkshire which comes across so strongly. It's another winner.
January 4, 2024
Lovely stories of a Yorkshire Vet, who trained with the real-life James Herriot, and practices in the real Skeldale in Yorkshire.
Peter shares some of the background of his training, as well as tales of some of the couple of vet practices at which he worked. Just like Herriot, he enjoys a mixed vet practice, working on large animals such as sheep and cows along with small animals and pets.
We meet some memorable Yorkshire characters along with their wonderful animals, and we get a true sense of place as we read about the hard land and close communities. Peter does an excellent job of showing us the true grit and wonderful nature of the hard-working farmers.
An excellent read.
Peter shares some of the background of his training, as well as tales of some of the couple of vet practices at which he worked. Just like Herriot, he enjoys a mixed vet practice, working on large animals such as sheep and cows along with small animals and pets.
We meet some memorable Yorkshire characters along with their wonderful animals, and we get a true sense of place as we read about the hard land and close communities. Peter does an excellent job of showing us the true grit and wonderful nature of the hard-working farmers.
An excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews