James Alfred "Alf" Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a distinguished British veterinary surgeon and author. Born in Sunderland, Wight's journey into veterinary science began with his graduation from Glasgow Veterinary College in 1939. Shortly after, he returned to England to embark on a near half-century-long career as a veterinary surgeon in Yorkshire.

Herriot is celebrated for his series of eight books set in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s to 1950s. These tales, initiated with If Only They Could Talk in 1970, vividly recount his experiences with animals and their owners. Through his engaging storytelling, Herriot sold around 60 million copies of his books, cementing his legacy in literature. Furthermore, his work inspired numerous adaptations, including the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small, a beloved BBC television series of the same name spanning 90 episodes, and a 2020 TV series aired on UK Channel 5.

James Herriot's life and work have left an indelible mark on the world of veterinary medicine and literature, making his stories a cherished part of British culture.