
You don't need to be a lover of cats, or kittens, to enjoy this extravagantly illustrated anthology of stories, poems and pictures of our old furred friends, but it is probably better if you are. The editors have made a clever choice of words and pictures, which has a certain amount of whimsy but impresses overall with its originality. There are wonderful photographs, paintings and drawings...from every imaginable old masters, contemporary painting, obscure engravings...The writing ranges from Kipling and Dorothy L. Sayers to Walter de la Mare and William Carlos Williams, from P.G. Wodehouse to Paul Verlaine, T.S. Eliot to Charles Baudelaire, Thomas Hardy to Jean-Paul Sartre" - The Sunday Tribune. "Superb...The pictures alone are worth the money" - The Guardian.
This anthology presents a curated collection of literary and visual works centered on the domestic cat. The volume compiles diverse perspectives from renowned authors and artists, exploring the multifaceted nature of felines through prose, verse, and imagery. The narrative framework is non-linear, functioning as a thematic compilation rather than a singular story. It challenges the reader to observe the animal through various cultural and historical lenses, ranging from whimsical observations to more somber reflections. The work relies on the juxtaposition of text and visual media to establish its atmosphere.
Discussion often centers on the eclectic nature of the selections, which bridge the gap between high literature and casual observation. Readers frequently highlight the quality of the visual components, noting that the illustrations provide as much value as the written word. Critics appreciate the breadth of the contributors, ranging from classic poets to modern novelists. The pacing is described as leisurely, allowing the reader to engage with individual pieces at their own speed. Overall, the work is viewed as a successful synthesis of art and literature that appeals to both cat enthusiasts and general readers.
Page Count:
353
Publication Date:
1983-06-30
Publisher:
Penguin Books
ISBN-10:
0140044868
ISBN-13:
9780140044867
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