The Lord God Made Them All

The Lord God Made Them All follows veterinarian James Herriot's return to veterinary practice in Yorkshire after his service in the Royal Air Force during World War II. The book chronicles his experiences treating farm animals and pets in the late 1940s and early 1950s, as he readjusts to civilian life. Herriot's work takes him across the Yorkshire Dales to treat cattle, sheep, horses and small animals, encountering the region's farmers and townspeople along the way. The narrative also includes accounts of his overseas veterinary adventures, including trips to Russia and Turkey to tend to livestock being transported internationally. Beyond the medical cases and daily routines of a country vet, Herriot shares observations about post-war changes in veterinary medicine and rural English society. His encounters with animals and their owners reveal the deep bonds between humans and creatures, while highlighting both the challenges and rewards of the veterinary profession. The book continues Herriot's signature style of combining humor with reverence for the natural world and its inhabitants. Through his experiences, the narrative explores themes of healing, perseverance, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Readers appreciate Herriot's warm storytelling and ability to balance humor with poignant moments in this volume of his veterinary memoirs. Many note this book focuses more on his family life and international travels compared to earlier works in the series. Likes: - Authentic portrayal of rural veterinary work - Details about raising his children - Stories about flying to Istanbul and Russia - Character development of recurring figures - Mix of funny and touching moments Dislikes: - Less focused on animal cases than previous books - Some sections drag during travel descriptions - Timeline jumps can be confusing - Not as cohesive as earlier volumes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.35/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) "His writing makes you feel like you're right there in Yorkshire," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader comments: "The travel sections weren't as engaging as his usual farm stories, but his warmth and humor still shine through."

All Creatures Great and Small by Gerald Durrell A naturalist's memoir chronicles his work with animals and conservation on the island of Corfu, combining veterinary experiences with family dynamics and Mediterranean culture.

The Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen This account documents life on a remote sheep farm in Yorkshire, sharing the realities of animal husbandry and rural living in modern Britain.

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte A former city dweller narrates his transformation into a caretaker of numerous animals, from parrots to rabbits to ducks, on a Michigan farm.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches by Matsuo Basho The wandering poet's journey through rural Japan reveals encounters with animals, villagers, and nature in a way that mirrors Herriot's observations of Yorkshire life.

One Man's Owl by Bernd Heinrich A biologist shares his experience of raising and studying a great horned owl, blending scientific observation with personal connection to animals.

🐾 The book covers James Herriot's experiences as a veterinarian after returning from RAF service in World War II, depicting his adjustment back to civilian life while caring for animals in Yorkshire. 📖 "James Herriot" was the pen name of James Alfred Wight, who wrote all his books under this pseudonym while maintaining his veterinary practice in Yorkshire, England. 🌍 This volume includes tales of Herriot's overseas veterinary adventures, including trips to Russia and Turkey to inspect sheep and cattle - a significant departure from his usual Yorkshire-based stories. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The book shows how Herriot balanced his growing fame as an author with his family life and veterinary practice, offering a more personal glimpse into his later years. 🎬 Like other books in Herriot's series, stories from this volume were adapted for the BBC television series "All Creatures Great and Small," which has seen multiple incarnations, including a recent remake in 2020.