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Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

by T. S. Eliot

A cast of cats in verse

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A cast of cats in verse

T. S. Eliot’s collection presents cats as a varied cast of comic, mysterious, and distinctive characters, including Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, and the Rum Tum Tugger. The poems were first composed for the poet’s godchildren and later gathered in a collection published in 1939. Edward Gorey’s pen-and-ink illustrations accompany this edition, adding visual interpretations of several of the feline figures. The book is also the source that inspired the stage musical Cats.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in poetry built around memorable animal characters
  • Cat lovers who enjoy playful literary portrayals of felines
  • Readers curious about the poems behind the musical Cats

Themes

Cats and characterPlayful versePoetry and illustrationLiterary adaptation

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The inspiration for the iconic musical Cats, T. S. Eliot's classic and delightful collection of poetry about cats, with whimsical illustrations by Edward Gorey.

These playful verses by a celebrated poet have delighted readers and cat lovers around the world since they were gathered for publication in 1939.

As Valerie Eliot has pointed out, there are a number of references to cats in T.S. Eliot's work, but it was to his godchildren, particularly Tom Faber and Alison Tandy, that he first revealed himself as "Old Possum" and for whom he composed his poems.

This captivating edition is a curious and artful homage to felines young and old, merry and fierce, small and unmistakably round. Also includes Edward Gorey's charming pen and ink illustrations. Gorey gives a fresh intepretation of "Mr. Mistoffelees," "Growltiger," "The Rum Tum Tugger," "Bustopher Jones," "Skimbleshanks," "Macavity: the Mystery Cat," and a variety of other memorable feline strays all of whom have been brought to life on the stage in the hit musical Cats.

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I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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