alf wight

Who's that?

You may well have read his books and seen the TV series based on them. You just didn't know it.

Alf Wight was the real name of James Herriot, the British country veterinarian who wrote the All Things Bright and Beautiful series. I remember those well for the glimpse they offered of life in the English country in the 40's, for the deft character studies of the folks (and animals!) around him, and not the least for their great feeling for the creatures in his care. Most were livestock, as appropriate to his time and place, but as the books progress you notice more companion-animal work, mirroring the growing awareness among pet owners that even little barn cats need love and attention.

I've always thought you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat their pets, and by and large the Herriot books bear that out.

Skeldale House, in the town of Thirsk, was the vet office. Now it is a museum dedicated to him and the way of life he celebrated.

Visit!