James Herriot was the pen name of James Alfred Wight (1916–1995), a British veterinary surgeon and author best known for his heartwarming series of books about rural veterinary life in Yorkshire. Born in Thirsk, he trained as a veterinarian at Glasgow Veterinary College before returning to practice in his hometown.

Under the pseudonym James Herriot, he wrote the beloved series beginning with If Only They Could Talk, which humorously and tenderly chronicles the experiences of a country vet dealing with animals, farmers, and the quirks of rural life. His books, including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, and Every Living Thing, combine humor, compassion, and vivid storytelling, earning international acclaim and adaptations for television and film. Herriot’s work remains a classic of veterinary literature and British memoir.