All Things Wise and Wonderful [Mass Market Paperback]

James Herriot (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 1998

Readers adored his tales as a Yorkshire animal doctor in All Creatures Great and Small and All Things Bright and Beautiful-- now James Herriot treats us to another delightful volume of memoirs rich with his own brand of humor and wisdom.

In the midst of World War Two, James is training for the Royal Air Force, while going home to Yorkshire whenever possible to see his very pregnant wife, Helen. Musing on past adventures through the dales, visiting with old friends, and introducing scores of new and amusing characters-- animal and human alike-- Herriot enthralls us once again with his uncanny ability to spin a most engaging and heartfelt yarn.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Surely no one can read Herriot without gaining a new and compassionate insight into All Things Wise and Wonderful in the world around him. A grand book."--The Baltimore Sun

"Herriot has gifted us with his hilarious, deeply moving and personal experience with all creatures that live and breathe."--The Fresno Bee

"Some stories are funny, some are earthy, some dramatic and some touching to the point of tears."--The Washington Post

From the Publisher

Joy, suspense, delight, heartbreak, and-most especially-love. . . from the author of All Creatures Great And Small and All Things Bright And Beautiful the continuing love story of a Yorkshire vet and his friends and neighbors--human and animal. . .by the world's most beloved writer! James Herriot's happiest bestseller ever. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (July 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312966555
• ISBN-13: 978-0312966553
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Medical
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > General
  • #90 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Outdoors & Nature > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem!, October 9, 2002

By 

katarina (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Things Wise and Wonderful (Mass Market Paperback)

My first experience with the late James Herriot's inspirational books took place in a bookstore in Singapore, in the 80's. I was barely 14 & had not heard of this writer/vet. But as soon as I started reading All Things Wise and Wonderful - my very first JH book, I knew I had to get the rest of the series.
Through his poignant, funny, sensitive and Yorkshire-accented writing, I relived his world as a practising vet. His was a world where decent, civic minded people lived with much love & respect for their pets and farm animals. A world where I wanted/want to be in.
It is true how one book reviewer put it: every chapter will have you either laughing out loud or shedding a quiet tear. To this day, I still remember some of his stories that touched my heart. The courtship years when a young JH was trying to impress Helen (who eventually became his very supportive wife); the timid little black stray cat, who with her last breath, would placed her one surviving kitten into the hands of a caring family; the endearing 'beggar' dog; the bored, pampered & misunderstood pet dog of a wealthy spinster...I could almost touch and see JH's characters through his vivid writing. I even felt his pride when his daughter also became a vet, & his son a doctor.
I am sorry that there were not more of his wonderful tales.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I would give all of his books more than 5 stars if I could!, September 17, 2003

By 

"truthandjustice" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Things Wise and Wonderful (Mass Market Paperback)

If you want a book that will take you back to the country life and its people with all their foibles and admirable qualities and love animals then his books will be pure enjoyment! I love the way he tells his stories. In his stories, he doesn't ever claim to be the best veterinarian around (I think he underrated himself), but you know he is a wonderful, kind, animal and people loving person. The way he speaks about the people and animals he comes in contact with, come to life and you feel you are right there with him. You will laugh, maybe cry, and cheer him on as you read. If you have animals, or raise them, you will love his books, although you don't have to own any to appreciate them.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another favorite, November 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: All Things Wise and Wonderful (Mass Market Paperback)

James Harriot has that amazing ability to transport you into his world, take you into his confidence, and offer you his friendship.....all through a series of heartwarming stories taken from his life as a Yorkshire vet. It's so refreshing to read books that are not strewn with violence and sex...yet which captivate your attention. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants some good wholesome entertainment and an occasional chuckle.