James Herriot Reading Order
6 series · 42 books · Born 1916-10-03
James Herriot was a British veterinarian whose decades spent treating animals in rural Yorkshire provided the foundation for his beloved literary works. Drawing directly from his professional experiences, he crafted interconnected story collections that capture the humor, drama, and emotional complexity of caring for both creatures and their devoted owners. His most famous series, All Creatures Great and Small, remains a cherished chronicle of veterinary practice and rural life that resonates with readers seeking authentic, heartwarming narratives about the human-animal bond.
All Creatures Great and Small Series
Complete10 books (1970–1984)
Start with If Only They Could Talk, the first of 10 books in the All Creatures Great and Small series.
Start this series with If Only They Could Talk
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Anthologies Series
Complete2 books (1989–2005)
Start with Famous and Curious Animal Stories and read in order.
Start this series with Famous and Curious Animal Stories
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleNon-Fiction Series
Complete16 books (1979–1999)
Start with Animal Stories, Tame & Wild, the first of 16 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Animal Stories, Tame & Wild
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Picture Series
Complete8 books (1972–2009)
Start with Bonny's Big Day, the first of 8 books in the Picture series.
Start this series with Bonny's Big Day
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Short Story Collections Series
Likely Complete4 books (1983–2023)
Start with The Best of James Herriot and read in order.
Start this series with The Best of James Herriot
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Smudge Series
Complete2 books (1991–1991)
Start with Smudge's Day Out and read in order.
Start this series with Smudge's Day Out
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has James Herriot written?
- James Herriot has written 42 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 1970 to 2023.
- What is the first book in each James Herriot series?
- Here are the first books in James Herriot's series: All Creatures Great and Small: If Only They Could Talk; Anthologies: Famous and Curious Animal Stories; Non-Fiction: Animal Stories, Tame & Wild; Picture: Bonny's Big Day; Short Story Collections: The Best of James Herriot.
- What order should I read James Herriot's books?
- We recommend reading James Herriot's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are James Herriot's series complete?
- James Herriot has 5 completed series.