The Secret Life of Cats [Hardcover]

Robert De Laroche (Author), Jean-Michel Labat (Author), Robert De Laroche (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

Depicting our feline friends in both life and art, from friendly kittens to formidable prowlers, from ancient Egypt to modern times, this fascinating little book offers entertainment for cat lovers, art lovers, and readers who are curious about the cat's role in world history and culture. 40 illustrations.

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Barrons Educational Series Inc (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764150340
• ISBN-13: 978-0764150340
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,056,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars All cat lovers will enjoy this one, December 31, 2008

By 

Patrick W. Crabtree "The Old Grottomaster" (Lucasville, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secret Life of Cats (Hardcover)

I should say that, as of today, I own 11 cats (unfortunately, I lost a much-cherished little Siamese last week to old age). So, a friend got me this book as a Christmas gift. And I should also say that if you are an enthusiast of cats, consider this one a five-star review.

This is a "coffee table book," of general interest to all and for visitors to one's home to casually flip though. There are 116 pages and the book's outer dimensions are 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" x 1/2". The hardcover book is nicely bound and is protected with an attractive heavy-stock dust jacket. The reader will encounter a profusion of beautiful color photographs of most cat breeds (by Jean-Michel Labat) in addition to some relevant illustrations. The author, Robert de Laroche, has clearly done his research.

The text covers all manner of catism including their history on the planet, mythology and legends, cat art, and much more. A discussion of cat breeds is also a focus of the book.

While this is not at all a text for cat care or similar uses, it's still a much worthwhile book. I highly recommend it for all cat lovers.

0 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Re. Author - tres sexy!, March 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Secret Life of Cats (Hardcover)

...met Robert on a plane to Milano. This is one most versatile, interesting and informed person . His honesty on all sorts of topics was totally disengaging. Have not got his book yet but I can tell you, I could become very interested in CATS.