James Herriot: The Life of a Country Vet

Herriot (1916-1995), who became a celebrity with his stories of life as a country vet, was born James Alfred (Alf) Wight, a Scotsman who grew up in poverty in Glasgow. A self-effacing man, he once remarked, ""I make myself as colourless as possible."" Because of this, and the fact that he fictionalized his life as well as his books, he remains a mystery even in this candid biography by a long-time friend. Since Wight never discussed his early years, Lord (Ghosts of King Solomon's Mines) fills in his background with descriptions of working-class life in Glasgow in the 1920s and '30s and of Wight's alma mater, Glasgow Veterinary College. To understand his professional and personal relationships, especially with his wife, Joan, and with Donald Sinclair, the owner of the Yorkshire veterinary clinic where Wight practiced for more than 50 years, Lord relies on the observations of Wight's friends and acquaintances. Wight comes across as likable but elusive, a thoroughly professional writer who persisted until, in middle age, he succeeded in getting published and then learned to tailor his books to the market. Photos. (Nov.)