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  • All Things Bright and Beautiful

  • The Classic Memoirs of a Yorkshire Country Vet
  • By: James Herriot
  • Narrated by: Christopher Timothy
  • Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (118 ratings)

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

By: James Herriot
Narrated by: Christopher Timothy
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Publisher's Summary

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.

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

©1973 James Herriot (P)2016 Macmillan Digital Audio

Critic Reviews

"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)

What listeners say about All Things Bright and Beautiful

Average Customer Ratings
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Absolutely delightful

A delight to listen to especially as the narrator is the same person who played James Herriot in the BBC television series.

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

What a wonderful book, written beautifully with fact and humour. Christopher Timothy narrated the story excellently, making the relaxing and very enjoyable story come alive.

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  • Overall
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A Timeless Classic

Great narration of a timeless classic about the beauty of animals, people and the everyday...expect to have a few laughs, too!

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A great life and wonderful narrator.

Loved it. It takes you to a special time and place. A wonderful storyteller. Characters come to life

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  • Overall
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A few technical issues but overall very enjoyable

I am thoroughly enjoying reading my way through this series. The audio narrator - Christopher Timothy - does an excellent job of bringing the various characters to life. As noted in my review of the first book, there's no plot here, just a series of well written and entertaining musings on the life of a country vet in the 1930s. As such, it's an easy one to pick up and put down as needed.

There were a few issues with the audio version (a little jumpy in places and an odd echo now and then) and some tropes perhaps haven't aged as well as they might. Both the technical and other issues, however, were minor enough not to spoil my overall enjoyment. I'm looking forward to book three!

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Laughter and Tears

Beautiful writing and story telling from author and reader. Inside the heart and soul of the country and inhabitants alike.

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Great book ~ narration terrific ~ but...

Why the occasional musical interludes?? Intrusive to the narrative....the story stands alone without embellishment!

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Superb narration

Christopher Timothy does a superb job of bringing to life the characters in these stories. It's the best performance I have heard in an audio book.

I found the musical interludes annoying. Also, there are some minor problems with the audio quality and editing (some scratchy sounds, repeated words and skipping).

I think this is a shame considering the work Mr Timothy has put into the narration, but it's only slight and it doesn't detract from his performance.

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Awesome book

Loved every minute of this book & am seriously looking forward to the next one.

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If you love animals Read This!!

James Herriot writes with so much compassion, accuracy and humour. I have thoroughly enjoyed every word.

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