Product Description

After qualifying as a vet in 1939, Alf Wight, aka James Herriot, moved to a veterinary practice in Thirsk. He was over fifty when his first book of stories about life as a Yorkshire vet was published, giving birth to some of Yorkshire's most famous and much-loved literary characters. Although he brought fame and fortune to himself and those around him, Alf Wight remained an intensely private person, respected and trusted by those whose animals he cared for, and adored by millions of fans. This illuminating biography reveals the real man behind the title 'The World's Most Famous Vet'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32538 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

About the Author
JIM WIGHT took time out from the veterinary practice in Thirsk, where he worked with his father for many years, in order to write and then publicise this book. He lives just outside Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

Customer Reviews

A son's tribute
Any man who has lost a beloved father will identify with the sentiments of the author in wanting to pay tribute to the man who has gone. I went to school with the Wight children and knew James and his partner professionally before they were famous. I found Jim's book true to life and very moving.

I was surprised to learn that the famous vet had no professional detachment whatsoever when it came to his own dogs.

But what moved me most was his own perceived inability to express his love to his son. A man may be a brilliant communicator in print yet fail to express himself to his own child.

I am forever indebted to James for bringing my Yorkshire home back to life when I lived thousands of miles away. I am indebted to Jim for a fine biography of a great man. and a reminder to be open emotionally with one's children

A fantastic insight into the real James Herriot
It may seem impossible for someone to follow in the steps of Alf Wight, but his son certainly has inherited his fathers ability to write. Although a different style, Jim Wight has managed to portray the life of his father perfectly. His account is both honest and sensitive and captures his enourmous respect for his father.
Jim Wight had an huge amount of information to draw on and more importantly he lived and worked with his father which is a perspective which most biographys lack.

An excellent book.

A real inspirational story of a grand fella!
Having grown up with the TV series, and revisited the programmes thanks to Satellite TV in the UK - I thought I would read the book about the real man, behind James Herriot. I read a wonderful story about what is possible if you have a passion for something and try hard enough in life. However, I was most touched with a man who at heart did not seek fame, he just wanted to be a good vet, a wonderful father to his children and grandchildren and a loving husband. I believe that in the book you soon discover that Alf Wight was all of those. A great read, and a pleasure to know more about the man behind James Herriott. A must read for fans of the books or the TV series.