Rating: 
Summary: Heartwarming and endearing
Review: As a loyal fan of the James Herriot books, I had to read more about the man behind the stories. This biography fully satisfied me, and by the end of the book, I could feel all the deep and abiding love his children hold for Alf Wight, as well as the great legacy the man has left to the world. The author provides a lot of insight into his father's life and his ideals, as well as his loyalty to the profession of veternary surgeon. By mid-book, I was hooked into pulling for this man to be recognized and rewarded for all his hard work through the years. Even though I have already read his original books, I sought them out again to reread after finishing this biography. James Wight proves to be gifted in relating his father's story. His father would be proud.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming and endearing
Review: As a loyal fan of the James Herriot books, I had to read more about the man behind the stories. This biography fully satisfied me, and by the end of the book, I could feel all the deep and abiding love his children hold for Alf Wight, as well as the great legacy the man has left to the world. The author provides a lot of insight into his father's life and his ideals, as well as his loyalty to the profession of veternary surgeon. By mid-book, I was hooked into pulling for this man to be recognized and rewarded for all his hard work through the years. Even though I have already read his original books, I sought them out again to reread after finishing this biography. James Wight proves to be gifted in relating his father's story. His father would be proud.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful memoir
Review: Dear Jim Wight, I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful romp throught the life of Alf Wight. I have enjoyed many of his books as well as this one, written realistically by you. Jim, you did a marvelous job examining the life of your father, and presenting it to us. This work is excellent and it sort of caps your fathers works, unifying them. I found it especially interested to read the sections on how he became an author. In short, I think you are an excellent writer, too, just as you father was! My favorite books of your father's are the All Creatures Great and Small series, Dog Stories, and The Christmas Day Kitten. I got the kitten story for my kids when they were little and we still keep it with our Christmas books which we bring out each year, and read, just like sentimental old friends. Your father's books and now yours, have given me a great desire to see Yorkshire. I am disabled I probably will never get there, but the many books of the Wight family have given me a lovely feeling for the beautiful grassy hills and dales. Congrats on a terrific book. My daughter heard hysterical laughter coming from my room as I read your book, esp. the anecdote about the dustbin men. Just one tiny mistake--the author's name is O. Henry, not O'Henry. Lots of folks make that mistake. Thanks for the memoir.
Rating:
Summary: A Touching Memoir
Review: For those of us who grew up watching ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL on PBS and who delighted in James Herriot's books, this biography of Alf Wight, the real name of the writer James Herriot, is fascinating, heart-warming, and wonderful. What makes this book so good is that the author is Jim Wight, Alf's son and later partner in his vet practice. Jim describes Alf's life with real insight and shares his own opinions when discussing key characters in Alf's books. Jim talks about Donald and Brian, the real people behind Siegfried and Tristan, and the various farmers and family members with definite love; he knew them and worked with them, too. This book is not just a collection of facts; it is a real tribute to the life of the man known to most of us as James Herriot. Jim's insights into his father and his life are extremely interesting, and the gentleness of his father's writings has surely filtered down to his son. Certainly, Jim writes critically, but he also writes with affection and understanding. I cannot think of a more fitting memoir for Alf Wight. His vision of the world is unique, and his son's tribute to him, both a biography and a personal memoir, could not be better. Through Jim's book, we can see just how true Alf's descriptions are - and how lucky we are to have them. I definitely recommend this book to all fans of James Herriot.
Rating: 
Summary: A behind-the-scenes look for all Herriot fans..
Review: Having just completed all the books, the timing of this warm & lovely memoir was icing. Interesting to know the real names and places of the events not to mention the varied reactions the actual folk had on their character depictions. With not many animal stories, which I didn't expect since this is about the great vet himself, I was not disappointed. Worldwide Herriot fans who will never meet the distinguised gentleman, will get a true feeling for him and like the books which we cherish, will come way happily satisfied and a better person.
Rating:
Summary: Very touching tribute
Review: Having only "discovered" James Herriot a few years ago, I found the book to be very interesting and touching coming from his son's perspective. I highly recommend this to all Herriot fans who would like to know "the real story".
Rating:
Summary: A good book about a good man
Review: He doesn't gush but it's obvious that Jim Wight enjoyed a healthy, loving relationship with his father, whom the world knew as James Herriot. What greater tribute can a son pay a father (other than writing a memoir) than to follow in his career footsteps? James Herriot is a role model for "C" students everywhere. His academic record was merely adequate, but enriched by a keen interest in many unrelated subjects, an unremitting work ethic, and the knack for seeing the humor in most any situation. Which was good, considering the appalling rate (83%!!) of taxation in Great Britain at the time he was enjoying his literary success. Even if you've never read any of the Herriot books, you'll enjoy this one.
Rating:
Summary: The Real James Herriot
Review: I am a longtime fan of the BBC television series and devoured this satisfying short biography in one sitting. I was expecting disappointment -- can reality ever live up to our inner visions of beloved fiction?, I asked myself. I came away believing that Alf Wight, the "real James Herriot", is, if anything, more interesting than his fictional alter ego. Most interesting to me was the account of the long and secret apprenticeship Wight undertook as a writer. Here is the story of a truly great man who shared a priceless gift with the world but who also remained unchanged by his success.
Rating:
Summary: A Reality Almost More Interesting Than The Fiction
Review: I am a longtime fan of the BBC television series and devoured this satisfying short biography in one sitting. I was expecting disappointment -- can reality ever live up to our inner visions of beloved fiction?, I asked myself. I came away believing that Alf Wight, the "real James Herriot", is, if anything, more interesting than his fictional alter ego. Most interesting to me was the account of the long and secret apprenticeship Wight undertook as a writer. Here is the story of a truly great man who shared a priceless gift with the world but who also remained unchanged by his success.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent behind the scenes story
Review: I devoured James Herriot's books and was privileged to meet him in 1980. This book, The Real James Herriot, provides good insight into the man, Alf Wight. You can feel the love and devotion his son has for his father who never let fame get in the way of doing his job.
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