James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories [Hardcover]

Alf Wight writing as "James Herriott" (Author), Lesley Holmes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1996

Vibrant watercolors accompany a heartwarming collection of ten beloved stories about dogs--from border collies and sheepdogs to the exploits of Tricki Woo, the unforgettable Pekinese--by the late author of All Creatures Great and Small. 850,000 first printing. Lit Guild, Doubleday, & Crossings Alt.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up. James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories is read very convincingly by Christopher Timothy, who starred as James Herriot is the BBC television series, All Creatures Great and Small. His British accent is precise and easy to understand. The stories are delightful and often reveal much more about the dog's owner than the dog itself. Since these short stories are presented in unabridged form, they lend themselves to use by reluctant readers as an interesting enticement into the literary world. There are many natural breaks. Those who enjoy Herriot's animal tales will enjoy this tape immensely.?Pat Griffith, Schlow Library, State College, PA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Favorite? didn't Herriot like the stories in his earlier James Herriot's Dog Stories (1986)? Regardless, the 400,000-copy first printing is something to bark about.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 169 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312146310
• ISBN-13: 978-0312146313
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,531,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wags and Woofs - Aye, Dogs are Amazing Creatures, June 10, 2003

By 

Mama Kimmberli "Mama Kimmberli" (Boonies - Southwest, Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm And Wonderful Stories About The Animals Herriot Loves Best (Mass Market Paperback)

If you have any passion for animals at all, you will devour this book. It's so sweet and wonderful -- a masterpiece of 20th century literature.

Mr. Herriot was truly a gifted writer. His heart could be felt in every word -- he deeply cared for the animals he doctored over the years. Aside from the endearing tails (pardon the pun), he masterfully described the European countryside, the people who belonged to the pets, the pubs he frequented and his everyday astonishing feats of medical marvelry. Yet he was so humble and down-to-earth. His stories are either tear-jerkers or pant-wetters. More than once I found myself nearly crying during study period at college because I was laughing so hard.

Some of my favorite shorts were "The Card Over the Bed", "Tricki Woo", "Granville Bennett", "Have a Cigar" and "Mrs. Donovan" -- the latter being my favorite. (Mrs. Donovan was a crone who patrolled the streets of Darrowby trying to cure people's animals quite often causing strife for Mr. Herriot.)

The very best thing about this book, aside from it being a quick and easy read, is that the stories are broken up so that you can put it down at any time and come back to it without fear of having lost your place.

James Herriot was the master of animal literature. Never have I encountered a more tasteful writer who so accurately depicted the behavior of dogs. I am a huge animal lover having two cats and a dog of my own. I found amazing similarities between the antics of the dogs showcased in this book and my own golden lab, and reading it made me want to cuddle him closer.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for dog lovers only, December 2, 2003

By 

cyclista (the Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Herriot's Dog Stories: Warm And Wonderful Stories About The Animals Herriot Loves Best (Mass Market Paperback)

James Herriot's Dog Stories is written by a man who loves both people and animals. The descriptions of people, dogs, and his humble view of himself are an irresistable combination. The accuracy and wit with which he presents people's relationships with their dogs is priceless. When I read this book, I laugh at the eternal goofiness of dogs and also dog people! The sadder stories are written with a balanced view. This book is an amazing collection of short stories. Highly recommended.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 50 Warm And Comforting. Hug Your Dog!, August 12, 2006

By 

SUPPORT THE ASPCA. "PILUM THROWER!" (?????) - See all my reviews

This review is from: James Herriot's Dog Stories (G K Hall Large Print Book Series) (Hardcover)

Do you have a passion for animals? If so, you'll inhale this book. The authors heartfelt emotions can be felt on every page. He clearly adored the animals he cared for over the decades. He described the colorful European countryside, the diverse pets, and the people who owned them in fine detail. Each story is accompanied by an ink sketch that added some warm visuals. My favorite stories were of "Tricki Woo", "Judy The Nurse Dog", "Granville Bennett", and "Cigar." What was nice is that since the stories were broken up, you could not lose your place when you took a break. Yet, I only took one because this was a fast page turner. I have had several dogs in my life and these are the most honest depictions of dog behavior I have read thus far. All animal lovers will enjoy this. Time to hug my dog and adopt another.