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All Things Bright and Beautiful

The Classic Memoirs of a Yorkshire Country Vet

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

By: James Herriot
Narrated by: Christopher Timothy
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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 Funny Heartfelt

Continue the series

Every Living Thing cover art
Every Living Thing By: James Herriot

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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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.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

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

A Timeless Classic

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

A great life and wonderful narrator.

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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!

A few technical issues but overall very enjoyable

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

Laughter and Tears

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