James Alfred Wight (3 October 1916 – 23 February 1995), better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a British veterinary surgeon and author.

“He is best known for writing a series of eight books set in the 1930s–1950s Yorkshire Dales about veterinary practice, animals, and their owners, which began with If Only They Could Talk, first published in 1970. Over the decades, the series of books has sold some 60 million copies.

The franchise based on his writings was very successful. In addition to the books, there have been several television and film adaptations including the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small; a BBC television series of the same name, which ran for 90 episodes.” See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Herriot

“Wight’s obituary confirmed his modesty and preference to stay away from the public eye. “It doesn’t give me any kick at all,” he once said. “It’s not my world. I wouldn’t be happy there. I wouldn’t give up being a vet if I had a million pounds. I’m too fond of animals.” By 1995, some 50 million of the James Herriot books had been sold. Wight was well aware that clients were unimpressed with the fame that accompanied a best-selling author. “If a farmer calls me with a sick animal, he couldn’t care less if I were George Bernard Shaw,” Wight once said. See  “James Herriot Dies at 78; Wrote ‘All Creatures Great and Small'”. The Buffalo News. 24 February 1995. Retrieved 3 March 2021.

Today’s humble haiku – Happy Birthday James (Wight) Herriot

You loved animals

more than fame – fortunately

you shared their stories