If you grew up during the early Masterpiece era, you probably remember the BBC production of James Herriot's novels in the "All Creatures Great and Small" series, set in the Yorkshire Dales from the 1930s to the 1950s. They were delightful and pretty faithful to Herriot's books, which were novelizations of his (James Alfred Wight's) real-life experiences as a Yorkshire vet, along with his rather madcap partner, who he called Siegfried Farnon (Donald Sinclair, who was not always pleased with the way Siegried was characterized.) Writing as James Herriot, Wight had a gift for storytelling, and in addition to writing the books adapted for the BBC/masterpiece TV series, he wrote many popular dog and cat stories and quite a few children's books. I read, and loved, the three books which were published in the US in the 1970s, in addition to watching the BBC show. All Creatures made a real impression on my family. We even had a Peke named Trikki Woo.

When I saw this audiobook on offer on NetGalley, I thought it would be a soothing listen, and I wasn't wrong! But I'm also glad to have listened to this audiobook before the debut of the new Masterpiece production of "All Creatures Great and Small." Though the newer series highlights the sheer beauty of Yorkshire, it's already really departed from the book that James Herriot/James Alfred Wight wrote, and it's a pity. Readers who want a truer picture of the vet's life during his early years in Yorkshire should read the books. You can enjoy the scenery in the new production but the books give a better picture of his actual life.

Nicholas Ralph, who stars as Herriot in the new production, does a beautiful job of narrating this audiobook, which is suitable for middle-grade children and up. He manages to imbue the narration with the dry humor Herriot intended, some of which seems sort of missing in the show, which has exaggerated Siegfried in the wrong ways.


I received a digital audiobook of this novel via Net Galley, courtesy of Macmillan Audio, in exchange for an honest review.

Oh to live in the world of James Herriot, the pen name of Alf Wight, the real-life mid-20th century country vet of the Yorkshire Dales in northern England. Veterinary care was very different back then and the stories that Dr. Herriot tells had me in stitches one minute, on the edge of my seat the next and close to tears an hour later. The story begins with Herriot as a newly graduated vet arriving at the home and veterinarian practice of Siegfried Farnon and his brother Tristan, two eccentric fellows who are often the reason I laughed so much. They made James do the work, but were there to take the credit. The farmers he worked with didn't know if they could or should trust him, and often they insisted it was what they did that cured their animals, not Herriot. This is a light hearted book, with a collection of stories put together to form this book. I love animals and found this a delightful read, with Herriot's description and anecdotes adding much to his cases. One thing I liked was that each chapter contained a story, so I could put this down and come back to it whenever I wanted. The audiobook was narrated by Nicholas Ralph, the star of the new BBC series. He had an amazing voice. He was Herriot to me and I felt like I was sitting there listening to him telling me the story of his day. I definitely recommend this book to those who love animals or want to learn more about the evolution of veterinary medicine.

After all these years, I'm discovering Herriot (pen name for Alfred Wight) for the first time and I'm in love with his charming Yorkshire Dales.


Honestly, I don't think I would have appreciated the tales of a country veterinarian as a girl, near as much as I do now at this point in time. Set in the 1930s, in the English countryside, this novel takes you to a time when kindness was the norm of the day and a real sense of community prevailed. The characters in Herriot's world are funny, down to earth, and loveable.   


 And this one was really a delight on audiobook. The narrator, Nicholas Ralph, is the actor that plays Herriot in the series. His Scottish accent is a joy to listen to, especially since Harriot himself grew up in Glasgow. Also when he reads the part of Siegfried Farnon, his voice inflection reminds me very much of the actor, Samuel West, in that role. He has a knack for reading in a way that reflects the character's personality, such as the way he depicts Siegfried's younger brother Tristin, with his devil-may-care attitude. This book captivated the animal lover in me and Herriot's Yorkshire is a heartwarming place to visit.

The stories in this book were not new to me as I first read this book many years ago. This is one of my all time favorite books! So much detail and feeling in every single story. I requested this audiobook to experience the narration. This narrator was an excellent choice! The narrator’s voice, inflections and accent are perfect. A melodious and soothing but never boring voice.

All Creatures Great and Small is the first book in a loose series. Each book can be read separately but it enhances them if you read them in order. This series is now a classic and beloved by a number of people, and has had several television series made based off of it. I was granted an audio version by #NetGalley to give my honest review. Since this audio version is being produced 40+ years after the books were published, I am going to concentrate on that, rather than the book itself. I think the book and the series, have withstood the test of time and I doubt that I can add anything that hasn't already been said about them. The audio version is narrated by Nicholas Ralph and he does a really good job. He picks up the dialect, and is entertaining as well as easy to listen to. I would recommend the audio version. I personally find that I have to speed up any audio version and this one was not an exception. Overall, job well done on #AllCreaturesGreatandSmall.

I first read James Herriot's books when I was much younger. I have reread them many times, they never grow old. I have gifted this series of books to many of my family and friends over the years and their thanks come in the form of sharing their books with their family and friends, and so Herriot's fan club has grown over the years. This is the first time I have listened to the books and I'm far from disappointed in this version. As he prepared to portray Herriot in the new series, narration of his books has prepared me to love Nicolas Ralph's portrayal. He definitely brought the books to life, matching the voice of Herriot I have in my head perfectly. The warm, wondrous feeling I had when I first read these books returned as I listened to them. What better recommendation than that?

I have loved the stories by James Herriot since I first started reading them in middle school. I enjoyed the television show as well back in the day. I'm delighted that Masterpiece is starting a new series on January 10, 2021. I bought season one online immediately and will enjoy each episode as it posts each week.

I decided before watching the series I needed to revisit the books as well. My reading plan for 2021 did not involve a jaunt into James Herriot, but that's the joy of my "I read what I want'' pledge. Reading plan be damned -- I'm going to listen to James Herriot! :) I'm so glad I did! The new audio book series is narrated by Nicholas Ralph who plays James Herriot in the new series. He's scottish...so his accent is just lovely! He does a great job of bringing the story to life. Excellent job of narration! I can't wait to watch the television series, but I'm having a wonderful time listening to the books. Herriot tells the tale of his start in veterinary medicine in 1937. The economy was depressed and new veterinarians were having trouble finding jobs. Herriot paints a vivid picture of the stress and trials of being a new vet in a country area where they rely on the "old ways'' and are wary of new people and modern medical procedures and medications.

As I have spent the last few years revisiting books and series I loved in the past, sometimes stories hit me differently as an adult after first reading them as a child or teenager. But, Herriot's books are still as magical and lovely to me now as they were 40 years ago when I first read them at 12 years old.

There are two audio books in the series recorded by Nicholas Ralph so far. I hope he does the entire series. I listened to a review copy from Macmillan Audio, but I'm buying my own copy. This is an audio book that I will listen to over and over again. Delightful story!

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

I had heard about the books of James Herriot (the pseudonym of large-animal veterinarian James Wight) for years, but I never read any of his books before nor saw any of 1978 BBC miniseries. I presumed that Herriot wrote some twee, rosy chronicle of an easy-going vet and the cute farm animals. Was I wrong! Herriot describes the hard hours, the midnight and early-morning summons, and the difficult, backbreaking work, whether in sweat-inducing summers and frosty winters.

Herriot does include difficult conditions, including his work as an assistant to a mercurial vet in the Yorkshire Dales. But he also includes the miraculous events that made him grateful that he had chosen his career path. Herriot also includes plenty of humor. In all, a wonderful read, especially when read by in a lovely Scottish lilt by Nicholas Ralph, the actor who is playing Herriot in the new PBS series.

In the interest of complete disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for honest review.

Some people, when they need the literary equivalent of a rich bowl of beef stew, turn to fantastical Sci-fi or drama-laden period romances. They may not be perfect literature...but, hey, they get us through years like 2020. Me? I like reading about the trials of Yorkshire farm animals and the vets that care for them. Go ahead, throw a pandemic and social isolation at me. I've got horses with their bowels twisted up and rescued kittens and lots and lots of sheep and cows giving birth. For some reason, James Herriot's stories about his work as a vet in rural England can comfort me like little else. They're funny, good hearted, and just plain interesting. Honestly, I have staved off anxiety attacks by closing my eyes and listening to Jim Dale's narration of the selections abridged as children's books.
BUT--much as I love Jim Dale's narration--this new version narrated by Nicholas Ralph may be even better. I'll go out on a limb and say his voice for Herriot himself is definitely better, and he holds his own with the secondary characters, too.
I'm looking forward to the miniseries, now... Why couldn't it have come out in the U.S. in 2020 when I needed it most??
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a review copy of this audio book.

This was a re-read (well, a listen this time) for me - I first read this book back in the late 70s and loved it. It's one of those books I've always wanted to revisit, and have told my daughters more than once "You need to read this book" (or this series, actually). When I saw the opportunity to listen to a new audio version, narrated by the actor who plays Herriot in the new PBS series, I jumped at the opportunity. And lo and behold, it was just sweet, just as charming, just as funny and sometimes heartbreaking as the first time I read it. The narration is wonderful - I'm quite sure I wasn't hearing a Scottish accent in my head when I read it, but Nicholas Ralph's voice most definitely added to the experience this time around. I'll be highly recommending it - again - to my daughters.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Who does not like books about animals? This memoir has warmth, humor and shows the author's love for life. Thank your to Macmillan and NetGalley for the copy.

This truly is a beloved book among animal lovers everywhere. I have read it several times and watched the show . The Net Galley app does not work and sadly I was unable to listen to it. Knowing the stories of Herriot I am sure this is a wonderful retelling of this charming book.

Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for making this available .

This was so charming and funny! I know my mom loved these books but I never read them until now. PBS is releasing a dramatization of the series in 2021 and the audiobooks are being re-recorded by the main actor.

For those who are unaware, All Creatures Great and Small is the first in a series of memoirs from a veterinarian who worked in rural England. It is peppered with lots of quirky characters, entertaining mishaps, and a great deal of heart. The story begins with James first post after graduation, working for an eccentric animal doctor, caring for horses, pigs, cows, sheep, and a very spoiled small dog. It's a really fantastic book that will make you laugh and touch your heart. Definitely worth a read and the narration is lovely!

I received an audio copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and James Herriot for the advance audio copy of "All Creatures Great and Small" for my honest review.

What a delightful story. The narration by Nicholas Ralph really makes the book come to life too! The story is the life of James Herriot as a newly qualified Veterinarian living in Yorkshire, Scotland. I so enjoyed the characters names are changed, but based on real life individuals. The story is filled with Mr. Herriot's journeys filled with struggles and great humor.

Audiobook Reviews: All Creatures Great and Small, and, All Things Bright and Beautiful (All Creatures Great and Small, Parts #1-4) by James Herriot, Nicholas Ralph (Narrator)
(Published by Macmillan Audio, November 17, 2020)

5.0 Stars, twice!

James Herriot's tales was one of those series of books you just couldn't get enough of from way back when, and it was a sad event to reach the last page of that final chapter.

And now...

Audiobook narration, flow and production: Superb! The audiobook performance vividly brings to life the fabled exploits of Mr. Herriot underscored by the Yorkshire Dales accent and dialect of the actual voices of the production cast headed by Nicholas Ralph, star of the upcoming 2020-2021 PBS Masterpiece Christmas special and remake of 1978-1990 BBC comedy drama, in celebration of the 5oth anniversary of the publication of the first book.

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Darrowby, North Riding, Yorkshire, England, circa 1937.

A penniless Scotsman travels for an interview to Yorkshire, England. James Herriot of Glasgow, recently qualified aspiring veterinary surgeon gets hired to join the country vet practice of Siegfried Farnon at Skeldale House on Trengate.

Also joining the practice as a reluctant apprentice is freewheeling student /brother Tristan Farnon, who garners the care of a chicken coop and pigsty as one of his first solemn duties. Driving around in the ancient chuggy Austin assigned to James, the younger duo often team up in shared exploits with invariably disastrous results, such as when they operate on a prized cow disregarding the advice of their gifted but mercurial 30-year old boss.

"God's own country." - Nigel Farndale

Book 1 goes through the adventures of the three-person practice as they deal with Dalesmen farmers, generally men of goodwill, immensely proud of both their county and identity, and, moreover, noted to be formidable burly stockmen - some of whom would faint at the first sight of blood "...especially the super-boisterous and confident types...".

"The major never pays anyone a penny..." - James Herriot

At Skeldale House, the monthly settlement of accounts with famously tightwad Dales farmers is a painful monthly ceremony although the good-natured vets often forego payment for many tasks. As the saying goes, "a Yorkshireman is a Scotsman (legendary tightwads) with all the generosity squeezed out of him".

The practice also has townsfolk clientele, notably Mrs. Pumphrey, the childless local contessa who adopts as her own offspring a Pekingese, Tricki Woo, and later on, a piglet, Nugent.

The vets scramble with limited resources in those times of the '30-40s, with advancements in medicine and medical technology years away. But even in somber moments, you could feel that perennial chuckle just a page away.

At the end of Book 1, Herriot meets farmer's daughter, Helen Alderson, takes her on a disastrous first date, Dales-style. They eventually get married.

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Book 2 entertains with more unique chapters, mostly accompanied with demonstrations of unconditional love for animals and general cheer, highlighted by a taste of Dales cricket, with far fielders off the slope of a steep crest, out of sight as they wait for the cricket gods to have a ball wobble their way, right out of the sky.

We see the culmination of an era in the Yorkshire Dales practice, as the partner veterinarian surgeons are called to duty with the Royal Air Force.

. "If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then .
animals are better off than a lot of humans." - James Herriot

What an exclamatory and fitting end to a year of reading! I had the utmost privilege to receive an advance reading copy of both audiobooks, and re-read a vivid, theatrical narration of one of the favorites of my reading youth, generous ladles of good cheer and bonhomie, chicken soup for the tired soul in this day of noise and haste, the good-heartedness of that plucky young vet and his comrades. And the brilliant writing of British Veterinary Surgeon, James Alfred Wight, a/k/a James Herriot, OBE FRCVS, 1916-1995.

A collector's item, highly recommended!

Review based on Audiobook ARCs from Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.

This was absolutely delightful. I've loved this book series and was thrilled to return to it again. The narration is well done. I highly recommend this lovely and charming book.

A great storytelling about James Herriott’s experience as a country vet. He guides us all through his work, the people he meets and their impact in his life. A great book that I enjoyed very much when I read it some many years ago and a better audiobook with Christopher Timothy’s beautiful voice.

This review is for the audio book which was narrated by Nicholas Ralph who plays Herriot in the 2020 BBC series. This audio edition includes the first two books in the ten book series. Though it's called All Creatures Great and Small, I believe it starts with If Only They Could Talk AND All Creatures.

This is a wonderfully wholesome book that chronicles various stories from Herriot's beginning as a vet in rural Yorkshire and how it's trial by fire for him as he learns the ins and outs of being a vet in a rural area.

I'll be honest, this got really frustrating at times as Herriot's boss Siegfried Farnon is a huge idiot who causes so many problems for Herriot but doesn't see his own error and blames Herriot for it all. Also some of the hicks that live out in rural Yorkshire have very little common sense and not once does Herriot stand up for himself.

But that was really the worst part of the book. It's entertaining and I really feel like I got to know the cast of characters. If you're a fan of the series, if you're a fan of animals, and/or if you like memoirs then this is for you. Nicholas Ralph is a great narrator but even if you pick up the physical book, it's still worth a read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to enjoy this in exchange for an honest review.

Leave me on a deserted island with an audio of the encyclopedia set of the World Book narrated by Nicholas Ralph and I will be in heaven. What you will get here is the next best thing—an audio by Ralph narrating, “All Creatures Great and Small: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World’s Most Beloved Animal Doctor.” It’s been at least 50 years that we have been listening to the tales of James Herriot’s escapades with the animal world as he treats each creature that comes his way. And what fun it is, hearing about the spats and arguments between the brothers, Siegfried and Tristen. If you haven’t read any of these in recent years, give this audio a listen. You are in for a real treat.

All Creatures Great and Small is about to be shown on public television in the U.S. The series has already been released in England to great acclaim. Readers may be familiar with the earlier tv adaption as well or may have read the book. It is even possible that some readers are unfamiliar with this work. Whoever you may be, I highly recommend this audio book version of the title.

The story of a young vet, his adventures, misadventures and personal life is gorgeously narrated by a reader whose accent I adored hearing. All Creatures Great and Small tells its story with humor and heart. I highly recommend this audio book version.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title All opinions are my own.