James herriot son

1. Biography of James Herriot
2. Veterinary Practice and Family Life
3. War Service
4. Writing Career as James Herriot
5. Literary Success

Biography of James Herriot

James Alfred Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot, was an English writer, veterinarian, and pilot. He was born into a family of an orchestra conductor who played music for silent movies. His childhood and youth were spent in Glasgow, where he received his primary education and graduated from veterinary college.

Veterinary Practice and Family Life

At the time, it was difficult to secure a position as a veterinarian due to an oversupply of specialists. However, James was fortunate enough to be taken on as an assistant by Donald Sinclair, an experienced veterinarian and horse expert from the town of Thirsk in Yorkshire. It was here that James began his practice. During this time, he married Joan Catherine Danbury in 1941, and their children, James and Rosamund, were born.

War Service

From 1941 to 1943, James Alfred Wight served as a pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He bravely carried out his duty as a pilot while also maintaining his passion for animals and writing.

Writing Career as James Herriot

James Herriot started writing small notes as a rural veterinarian and short stories divided into chapters. These stories were later published in collections under the pseudonym James Herriot. The use of a pen name was necessary due to the advertising ban on veterinary services in the late 1960s, although the stories themselves didn't explicitly serve as advertisements. As a result, the stories were set in the fictional town of Darrowby, and many real people were given fictional names. The books were written with great love and subtle humor, making them popular among aspiring veterinarians and animal lovers.

Literary Success

James Herriot gained international acclaim with his books, including "All Creatures Great and Small," published in 1972, and "All Things Bright and Beautiful," written and published in 1977. These books not only brought him fame in England but also in other countries where they were translated into different languages.