Customer Reviews

Legacy of the Cat

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am prejudiced. I know both author and photographer which is why I bought my first copy of this book. But since then, I have purchased more as gifts to cat breeders and judges around the world. In fact, some have requested copies. Whether you are a cat's companion or cats' judge, you will find photography that is unparalleled in its ability to capture the essence of each pedigreed breed. You will also find uniquely insightful descriptions, because Gloria Stevens has observed and handled the best representatives of every breed as a judge for many years. The information in her book is conveyed in a way that all of us can use, reflect upon and enjoy.I especially appreciate that the photos have been selected to present excellent representatives of the breeds according to their respective standards. As a breeder, I visit this book for information. As an animal lover fascinated by The Cat, I visit it for the beauty of its photographs and the quality of its descriptions.

I have always been a big fan of "mutt" cats (although I have some mutts and some purebreds) but seeing these pictures and reading the personality traits makes me see the interest in purebred cats and a bit into the mind of the "fancier".

I think the photography sells this book. I'm surprised to read another reviewer call them "dreadful reproductions" when I find the work of Tetsu Yamazaki amazing. I bought this book because the pictures of the sphynx cats was so understanding of them and made them look so appealing and cuddly- I just wanted to own those pictures. Sphynx are often called "hairless" and the author makes clear that they are not hairless but are downy, and acknowledges that many people fail to see their charm on first meeting.

this is more of a reference or browsing type book so I haven't read it in it's entirety, but the writing is clear and informative. the illustrations are helpful and the charting of color and pattern reference is easy to follow. I'm not sure who needs this book but it's certainly a lot of fun to have.

Okay, let me admit up front that I am much more a dog-person than a cat-person. Even so, this book is a real treat for anyone who is even mildly interested in the feline world. The photographs are presented on white backgrounds, and while this approach sometimes creates a "stiff" appearance, that is NOT true in this case. Photographer Tetsu Yamazaki captures cats in all their focused alertness, grace, playfulness, and dare I say... beauty. A photo of a silver Egyptian Mau, crouched and demonstrating that not a single muscle is without purpose, typifies the excellent presentation work in this book.

The organization of the book is clear, with an introductory section that depicts, with a photographic chart, how the different breeds are organized. Descriptions often present some historical facts about breeds that are of real interest.

If you are a cat lover, you will most likely fall "in love" with this book. If you do not fancy cats as pets, and indeed never wish to own one, you may very well still find this book to be fascinating. You may tell yourself that, thank goodness, these "cats" never jump on tables or knock things off shelves... or do they?

This book is a delight to the eye and satisfying to the inquisitive mind. If you are interested in cats you will love this book.

Tetsu Yamazaki is a master at capturing the soul of the cat in his lens. The book is packed with large, full color photos of almost every breed recognized in the USA.

Gloria Stephens' text is full of rich information for useful to both beginning cat fanciers as well as the veteran breeder and cat show enthusiast. It is a book written by someone who has devoted much of her life to the cat fancy and those wonderful felines.

It would be a welcome present for those cat lovers on you list.

"Legacy of the Cat" is a must for each and every cat fancier. Not only do the photographs portray the breeds accurately, the writing by Gloria Stephens explains, enlightens, inspires, and furthers knowledge of the different breeds.

I first picked this up looking for a good overall book on cat breeds, but what really caught my attention and made me purchase it was the stunning photographs of the cats. They're not just good photographs showing the breeds, because in some books those can be stiffly posed and boring in composition. Rather these are full of personality and movement and showcase the alertness, intelligence and grace of the animals. Get it for the information, but most of all, get it for the photographs!

The book is filled with so many colorful photographs and is so descriptive. It helped my daughter identify what kind of cat her grandma owns. Wonderful book!!

My favorite cat book of all time. Beautiful photos Informative tips on everyting feline. Gives information on almost every of the known and accepted cat breeds. I recommend this book to any cat lover.

There are many of basic cat picture books out there that i find to remedial, with old out dated pictures. Legacy of the cat is NOT one of them! i was very impressed with the information, clear, beautiful pictures. The coat colors are helpfull, and its up to date on the breeds. but what sold me on getting this book was the chapter on genetics. Very few books contain anything on cat genetics. A must have book for anyone who wants to learn about cats! i read this book to my neice all the time.

Photos were gorgeous. Cats come in so many different shades and shapes and sizes. I love cats and enjoyed studying them so much. Wish I could reach in and pluck them out of the pictures.