James Herriot's memoirs of his life as a country veterinarian in rural Yorkshire, England, have charmed and delighted readers of all ages for decades. Republished to coincide with the new Masterpiece series based on the books, All Creatures Great and Small introduces the young vet-school grad as he arrives in Yorkshire in the 1930s, and the sequel, All Things Bright and Beautiful, follows Herriot's personal and professional development as he settles into his demanding but beloved career. In both wonderfully absorbing, anecdote-rich books, Herriot paints vivid, compelling portraits of the different characters he encounters—both human and non-human—with gentle humor and ample heart. Animal lovers will adore these treasuries.

And don't forget to check out season one of the new series, starring Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot (running time: 6.5 hours; two DVD or Blue-ray discs).

(AG)