THE COMPLETE JAMES HERRIOT Box Set 1-8

I’ve been reading a lot of indigenous writers recently. All have been well written, historically accurate even tho technically fiction. But between reading those and the political climate today, I needed a lighter break. The Herriot books are perfect. Well written, they illustrate not only his love for animals and their quirks, but also for their humans and their quirks. I’ll even read some parts to my dog, especially the stupid human parts. They’re an excellent escape, and can make you smile with some guffaws thrown in.

For those who are worried that this is not the All Creatures Great and Small books they are expecting, fear not. This is the British published set. As I just learned from reading the biography of James Herriot written by his son, James Wight, Herriot's books were combined for the American market. What we know as _All Creatures Great and Small_ is Herriot's first two books printed together as one volume. His third and fourth books were printed together as _All Things Bright and Beautiful_, and his fifth and sixth books became _All Things Wise and Wonderful_ in America. The only difference between the versions is that the last chapter or two of _All Creatures Great and Small_, in which Herriot marries Helen, were added just for the American version; they are not in the British copy of _It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet_. Granted, these are wonderful chapters, but the rest of the stories in all these books are exactly the same as those in the books we are familiar with on this side of the pond. _The Lord God Made Them All_ and _Every Living Thing_ are unchanged; he wrote those as is for the British publications. One note: My set came with the books in the box not in the correct chronological order. I have no idea why they would be packed like that, but look at the publication dates to order them correctly, as they certainly should be read in proper order to get the full satisfaction of the underlying storylines that run throughout the series. Second note: If you love Herriot's writing, I highly recommend James Wight's biography of his father, _The Real James Herriot_. I just finished that and it is a well-written, fascinating look into Herriot's real life and work. Much of it will surprise you. (And from it I figured out why people here were complaining that this is not the set they were expecting!)

Absolutely charming in how the life of a new veterinarian unfolds out in the countryside. I had started reading the series as a child, but I never got beyond the first book. Now I have had the opportunity to revisit the series with this set, and I thoroughly enjoyed each book, even if some of the scenarios and thoughts are a tad dated. However, none of that mars the humor nor the animals we are introduced to. Please read.

So good! I love James Harriot. His weighting is so down to earth. He mixes funny with heartbreaking.

These books are wonderfully written. If you are interested in veterinarian stories these are for you. They take place in rural England starting in 1940.

The books follow the TV series story lines pretty accurately. Love the books. Only gave it 4 stars because the print is quite small and hard to read.

Nice set

How great a story teller is James Herriot. I highly recommend his books, best to buy the collection as a couple of the books are combined into one book. Should be read in order as well. See year published as the books are not in order in the box. For anyone who loves animals, humorous and at times will bring tears. Throughly enjoyable reads. The PBS rendition of the stories is also wonderful. Books are always best though! I’m keeping these as I may want to read them all again in time.

Buen servicio de entrega por parte de Amazon, La calidad de la impresión del texto de los libros es de muy baja calidad comparado con los libros comprados por separado, del mismo Editor (PAN Books). Recomiendo la compra individual de los libros y no esta "Colección".

The full box set of the James Herriot books, what more can you want? Ohyes, you'll also want the authorised biography "The real James Herriot" by his son Jim.

Great books!

On reading these books 50 years later, I am sure that I laugh and am touched as much. The collection is second hand, but only the box was slightly torn. Reparied with a little sellotape and all is perfect.

As a grandma with 3 grandchildren (and more on the way!), I love the James Herriot books, some of which I read in my early teens, before the original tv series was aired. Being born and spending my early chlldhood in the Yorkshire dales in the 60s, these stories and the way they are told bring back memories and a sense of homesickness for bygone days, the beautiful and wild countryside, the down to earth hardworking farmers, my grandfather and father working on the farms or tending the gardens of the manors of such characters as Mrs Pumphrey, and the tales they told me as well as my own childhood experiences. This complete set is excellently produced, with stunning jacket illustrations by Robb McCaig, the print type used and the creamy white paper give the perfectly rounded nostalgischen touch. For those who still like the feel of a good book in their hands in this digital world, and appreciate a well thought out production, will not be disappointed. I usually prefer hardcover books, rather than paperback for longevity (especially books I like to reread), but am very pleased with this set which I bought for myself, and can highly recommend it as a quality gift at a very reasonable price to all booklovers, young and old.