Cat [Hardcover]

Leonard Michaels (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 1995

Elegantly illustrated and attractively designed, a collection of brief, witty and insightful observations on cats and their idiosyncracies by an acclaimed writer makes a unique keepsake for feline fanciers. Lit Guild Feat Alt.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

De Laroche, a French journalist who has written several books on cats, explores the historical love-hate relationship between cats and humans. As he explains, the earliest known cat remains associated with human settlement date from 6700 B.C.E. in Jericho. The cat was very important to the early Egyptians, as evidenced in sacred texts, statuary, and the cult of Bastet. In medieval Europe, however, the feline was viewed as a disturbance to the established order of Christianity, and superstitions about cats as the cause of bad luck became widespread. The animals came back into favor through the side door of fairy tales; such stories as "Puss in Boots" (France) and "Dick Whittington" (England) changed people's attitude toward cats. The cat also began to appear in carvings in Roman Catholic sanctuaries. In Japan, the cat reigns in the form of "maneki neko," a statuette of a seated cat with one raised paw. Photographs of magnificent artwork featuring cats throughout the ages illustrate the straightforward text, but the true treat are the lovely photos of real cats. Michaels (The Men's Club, LJ 4/15/81) has produced a delightful celebration of the cat. His book, featuring about 100 koanlike meditations on the spiritual, physical, and metaphysical aspects of the cat, is illustrated with Frances Lerner's spare, delicate drawings. Some meditations, such as "A cat is not owned by anybody," are reflective. Others ("Dogs tend to look like their masters, but this is never true of a cat. A cat is a highly particular creature") are humorous. Cat lovers would enjoy both these titles. De Laroche's work?a visual pleasure?is reasonably priced but not an essential purchase. Michaels's unique collection would be appreciated in all libraries.?Eva Lautemann, DeKalb Coll. Lib., Clarkston, Ga.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (October 17, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573220132
• ISBN-13: 978-1573220132
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,267,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars enchanting illustrations, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Cat (Paperback)

I have the hardback version and don't understand why that isn't available. Is there a way to find out if they were all sold out or if there are anymore to buy?? I'd love to buy a number as birthday and Christmas books to all the cat lovers I know and I'm sure a lot of people would love to see this book in hardcover. Please let me know if the hardcover can be located. It is the best cat book I have ever read and I'd love to know more about the illustrator.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cat-egorically Terrific, November 27, 1999

By 

Howard Ross (M. Hills, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Cat (Paperback)

This short book makes you feel like you have nine lives. From the beautiful minimalist drawings to the quiet eloquent words, it is a great and affordable gift. It appeals not only to cat lovers but to animal (and people) lovers everywhere. Every page brings a gentle and touching surprise.

4.0 out of 5 stars The *kayters* review, February 27, 2003

By 

Katie F. "kayters" (Marietta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Cat (Paperback)

This was a precious book that I bought to go with our small What Dogs Do coffee table book. I decided to read it because it was so short and I wound up really enjoying it and even reading one of the observations out loud to my husband because it reminded me so much of our cat! This is not a novel or a wonderful work of literature, but the thoughts and observations about all things feline are wonderfully on the mark! Anyone who shares life with a cat will be sure to appreciate this cute little book.