“James Herriot’s Dog Stories: Warm and Wonderful Stories About the Animals Herriot Loves Best”

“James Herriot’s Dog Stories: Warm and Wonderful Stories About the Animals Herriot Loves Best,” St. Martin’s Press, $15.99.

It’s a new edition but the stories have been around for decades. That doesn’t mean this delightful and reasonably priced work won’t be the perfect gift for that special occasion.

Herriot was a veterinarian in Yorkshire, England, for more than a half century until his death in 1995. But his legend and story-telling prowess lingers on – warmly and beautifully here.

The author writes movingly and passionately in each of the 50 rich and intimate portraits, which represent an intoxicating blend of tension and passion. Some stories are emotional bumpy rides while others are lovingly goofy and upbeat. If you’re no stranger to Herriot’s prose, you expect tailwinds and headwinds in the flow but always boasting a resilient, can-do spirit.

Each opens with a black-and-white illustration then segues into an earthy delivery of veterinary medicine that’s both educational and entertaining.