Herriot, James

(British, 1916–95)

Think of Herriot and you immediately think of the Yorkshire Dales. And the qualities that draw thousands of visitors to Herriot Country are the same ones that draw thousands of readers to Herriot's stories of the life of a country vet—a glimpse of a purer, less complicated life before the days of factory farming, BSE, and genetically modified foods. All Creatures Great and Small (1975) introduced Herriot's characters, who stride around rugged landscapes in tweeds and wellies (middle/upper classes) or shabby raincoats held together with string and wellies (lower classes). The books are gently humorous and nostalgic. A tea-and-toast read for a cold November night.

Compton Mackenzie, Miss Read  RV