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James Herriot Books In Order: The Complete Guide
James Herriot’s heartwarming tales of a Yorkshire veterinarian have been beloved for generations. If you’re looking to read his books in order, here’s a comprehensive guide to his works, categorized by series and publication order.
All Creatures Great and Small Series in Order
This series, based on Herriot’s real-life experiences as a vet in the English countryside, is his most famous work. The books were originally published separately in the UK but later compiled into omnibus editions in the US.
- If Only They Could Talk (1970) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- All Creatures Great and Small (1972) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet (1972) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- Let Sleeping Vets Lie (1973) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- Vet in Harness (1974) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- All Things Bright and Beautiful (1974) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- Vets Might Fly (1976) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- All Things Wise and Wonderful (1976) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- The Lord God Made Them All (1981) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
- Vet in a Spin (1984) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Children’s Books by James Herriot
Herriot also wrote a delightful selection of children’s books featuring his classic storytelling and charming animal tales.
- Bonny’s Big Day (1972)
- Moses the Kitten (1984)
- Only One Woof (1985)
- The Christmas Day Kitten (1986)
- Blossom Comes Home (1988)
- The Market Square Dog (1989)
- Oscar, Cat-About-Town (1990)
James Herriot’s Short Story Collections
For those who want bite-sized Herriot stories, these collections compile some of his best work:
- The Best of James Herriot (1983)
- Horse & Pony Stories (1986)
- James Herriot’s Dog Stories (1986)
- James Herriot’s Cat Stories (1994)
Non-Fiction and Photography Books
In addition to his memoirs, Herriot wrote books about his beloved Yorkshire and its people:
- James Herriot’s Yorkshire (1979)
- James Herriot’s Yorkshire Village (1995)
- James Herriot’s Yorkshire Revisited (1999)
Final Thoughts
James Herriot’s books remain a must-read for animal lovers, aspiring vets, and fans of heartwarming, beautifully written memoirs. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or picking up where you left off, his stories continue to inspire and delight readers worldwide.
Which of these books is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Want the full list? See every James Herriot book in order — updated for 2026, with links to grab each title.