All Things Wise and Wounderful

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The third collection of memoirs from the author who inspired the TV series All Creatures Great and Small .

Training as an RAF pilot in the smoke and bustle of wartime London is a far cry from James Herriot's day job as a country vet in the Yorkshire Dales. And whilst he is keen to serve King and country, James cannot help but miss his life in Darrowby - despite frequent arguments between his colleagues Siegfried and Tristan, bad-tempered cattle, opinionated farmers and the continuing saga of Cedric the flatulent dog. But most of all he misses his wife Helen; pregnant with their first child. The question constantly hanging over them is - will he be going to war? And when will he get to go home?

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 Wise and Wonderful is a heart-warming story of determination, love and companionship from one of Britain's best-loved authors.

Contains Vets Might Fly and Vet in a Spin .

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Kirkus Book Review

During the war years, Herriot exchanged his wellingtons and breeches for goggles and a baggy flying suit but his Yorkshire ties remained intact. In training, the ""cosseted young husband"" with double chin and spare tire was transformed into ""a lithe, tireless greyhound,"" but he never saw action: just as he was to cross the Channel, he required surgery, which disqualified him for combat and left him in a Heaton Park laundry room for the duration. But Herriot in any surroundings is far superior to his many imitators, and these episodic rememberings show the same gracious fidelity and flawless timing as his earlier books. RAF fellows and his own flight plans do figure briefly here and there; more often a chance encounter--a loud voice, a glass of beer--triggers memories of Darrowby and his veterinary practice: pedunculated tumors and antiphlogistine poultices, a crepitating boxer and a highly sociable cat, unflappable Yorkshire farmers and addled pet owners. Wife Helen delivers their first child whom Herriot, always dazzled by newborn calves, finds ""a funny-looking little thing""; the puckish Tristan engages in automotive exploits--accelerating from a crouch so their car appears to arrive with no driver; and partner Siegfried continues to disagree amicably, confer frequently, and offer his sober advice: ""There is more to be learned up a cow's arse than in many an encyclopedia."" As before, an excellent prognosis. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.