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Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
An engaging collection of humorous poems. These verses, originally composed to amuse Eliot (Time). Drawings by Nicolas Bentley.
Paperback, 60 pages
Published
October 23rd 1968
by A Harvest Book (Harcourt, Inc.)
(first published 1939)
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It somehow does not surprise me that T.S. Eliot was able to see the world so well through the eyes of a cat. His created cat personas are charming, especially their names:
Jellylorum
Munkustrap
Coricopat
The Old Gumbie Cat (a.k.a. Jennyanydots)
Growltiger
Grumbuskin
Tumblebrutus
Gilbert
The Rum Tum Tugger
Mungojerrie
Rumpelteazer
Old Deuteronomy
The Great Rumpuscat
Macavity the Mystery Cat
Gus the Theater Cat
...more
Jellylorum
Munkustrap
Coricopat
The Old Gumbie Cat (a.k.a. Jennyanydots)
Growltiger
Grumbuskin
Tumblebrutus
Gilbert
The Rum Tum Tugger
Mungojerrie
Rumpelteazer
Old Deuteronomy
The Great Rumpuscat
Macavity the Mystery Cat
Gus the Theater Cat
...more
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If you saw and enjoyed the wonderful musical, Cats, you will love this book, which was first published in 1939. Not long ago joined our granddaughter at a performance of Cats and I remembered that I wanted to read this one. Let me share some of the wonderful phrases that found their way into musical. "Jellicle Cats come out to-night Jellicle Cats come one and all: The Jellicle Moon is shining bright - Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball. " Or, "I have a Gumbie Cat in mind...more
hypothermya
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Lovers of fun poetry, E. Gorey collectors, Andrew Lloyd Webber afficienados
Shelves:
literature,
poetry
I was given this book for a holiday present by AJ several years ago. He hunted down a first edition of the Edward Gorey illustrated version, which just happens to have been printed the same year as I was born. Needless to say, this is one of the books of which I'm very protective.
The book itself is a very sharp deviation from what T.S. Elliot normally writes. Compared with, say, The Wasteland, this book looks as though it was written by an entirely different author. However, tha...more
The book itself is a very sharp deviation from what T.S. Elliot normally writes. Compared with, say, The Wasteland, this book looks as though it was written by an entirely different author. However, tha...more
Little-known fact, this book of children's poetry by T.S. Eliot was the inspiration for the cringe-worthy Broadway musical, "Cats." Many of the poems are the lyrics, verbatim, for the show. But if you, like so many others, are revulsed or terrified by the thought of those cavorting, feline freaks on stage, well, just try and put it out of your mind. These are fun poems for kids, and would make great bedtime reading! Unless you are a dog family, in which case you should probably go ...more
"But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?"
I have to admit that it was an embarrassingly short time ago when I realised that the poems written by T.S Eliot provided the lyrics for the musical Cats.
Don’t get me wrong, I knew that the musical was based on these poems (I’m not completely culturally challenged,...more
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?"
I have to admit that it was an embarrassingly short time ago when I realised that the poems written by T.S Eliot provided the lyrics for the musical Cats.
Don’t get me wrong, I knew that the musical was based on these poems (I’m not completely culturally challenged,...more
I'm unpacking all my books from the move and have decided A) Eliot will be allowed on my office bookshelf because I think he'd be perfectly at home there and B) I should really reread his stuff, since it has been a while. (Do you hear that?? REREAD!!)
Yes, the Broadway musical Cats is based on the Book of Practical Cats, but I don't feel like they're one and the same --- the musical has taken on a life of its own and much of the charm of Eliot's original poetry has been lost. His metr...more
Yes, the Broadway musical Cats is based on the Book of Practical Cats, but I don't feel like they're one and the same --- the musical has taken on a life of its own and much of the charm of Eliot's original poetry has been lost. His metr...more
Ephemeral things tend, by their very nature, to be lost to posterity. Something that wasn't meant to survive usually doesn't. In many cases, this is perfectly fine but far too often good stuff is lost too.
But if someone gains a reputation, then sometimes the more ephemermal stuff comes along with it. After all, it will generally be regarded as being a part of the "canon", no matter how trivial.
Old Possum is a great example of this. There is nothing in here t...more
But if someone gains a reputation, then sometimes the more ephemermal stuff comes along with it. After all, it will generally be regarded as being a part of the "canon", no matter how trivial.
Old Possum is a great example of this. There is nothing in here t...more
Probably everyone knows well Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version of Cats, self included, and for some time I've been thinking I should read the source material by T.S. Eliot (a copy of which conveniently rests on my wife's bookshelf). After reading something so lengthy and deep as Tolkien, it was nice to read something much lighter. Before I get into the inevitable comparisons that come with being so familiar with the musical, here are my thoughts on the book itself.
This slight v...more
This slight v...more
It's hard to believe that this is the same guy who wrote The Wasteland, but I guess when you're writing for your godchildren, it's good to be more cheerful and even surprisingly silly. My favorites are Song of the Jellicles (which I once knew by heart) and The Naming of Cats. I tried a couple of years ago to read this to my son, who was then 5, but though he adores cats, he doesn't think much of poetry. He's a boy who likes a plot. He did use Jellicle as the the name for a stuffed cat though. I...more
Axel Scheffler’s illustrations perfectly complement T.S. Eliot’s poems. His paintings are colorful, and show the personalities of the clever, unique, misbehaving cats.
One poem I like is “The Old Gumbie Cat,” which accurately describes my cat, who sits and naps all day to save energy for troublemaking at night.
Part of the original:
I have a Gumbie Cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots;
Her coat is of the tabby kind, with tiger stripes and leopard spots.
...more
One poem I like is “The Old Gumbie Cat,” which accurately describes my cat, who sits and naps all day to save energy for troublemaking at night.
Part of the original:
I have a Gumbie Cat in mind, her name is Jennyanydots;
Her coat is of the tabby kind, with tiger stripes and leopard spots.
...more
This whimsical collection of poems, written by T.S. Eliot for his nieces and nephews, was the source material and inspiration for the musical “Cats.” I have not seen the musical, so luckily was not compelled to compare the two. If you know cats, the felines described in the poems will seem familiar. They have typically feline characteristics, plus a few human eccentricities, which makes this collection entertaining for both children and adults. “Practical Cats” is most delightful when read aloud...more
I must confess, I believe this was my first T.S. Eliot book and I am impressed. The poems of this book were fun, witty and creative. Each of the cats have such engaging characters and interesting names like Macavity or Mungojerie. Though slightly exaggerated the personalities of the cats are very believable as I am sure many people have met cats that act like the ones described in this book.
Also I have been a big fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Cats" and had no idea how li...more
Also I have been a big fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Cats" and had no idea how li...more
I loved this book long before I knew about _Cats_, or that T. S. Eliot was a serious poet, or even what half the words in the poems meant. The rhythm is so strong and the subjects so silly that I couldn't help but like it. Edward Gorey's illustrations are also delightful and fit the writing perfectly. Someday, if I'm very lucky, I will have the honor of living with a Jellico or Gumbie cat. One caveat, this book was first published in 1934 and Eliot's and a couple of the poems have xenophobic...more
Reading this book of poems made me realize that I know these cats somehow. It dawned on me that I knew all their names, but didn't know why. I certainly had some character cats when I was growing up but none like these. Then the light bulb came on! The Broadway play is based on this book! (Not that I've seen it, but I know the names of the cat characters for some reason).
Anyways, T.S. Eliot has the cat character down to a tee. Like he states,
That Cats are much like y...more
Anyways, T.S. Eliot has the cat character down to a tee. Like he states,
That Cats are much like y...more
This book was on my Recommendations book shelf, I think because I'm a huge fan of Edward Gorey, not a crazy cat lady. Unfortunately for me, my library didn't have the edition that Gorey illustrated. So, I read this one. Actually, the illustrations were the only thing I enjoyed about the book. I felt like Eliot was trying too hard to be clever with the names and none of them worked for me. Cap'n Wussenfuss, now that would've been a good name but he didn't come up with that name, I did. They have ...more
To be honest, I know I read this years ago, but I couldn't resist getting the edition with Edward Gorey as illustrator.
And I still don't really like the poems at all. I know it was the basis for the musical Cats (which I didn't like either!) but Eliot's attempt at "cute" poetry doesn't work with me. I found the rhythms uneven and hard to follow. Same with the rhyme schemes. I know Eliot isn't known for his "easy" poetry, but this seemed a little too much like ...more
And I still don't really like the poems at all. I know it was the basis for the musical Cats (which I didn't like either!) but Eliot's attempt at "cute" poetry doesn't work with me. I found the rhythms uneven and hard to follow. Same with the rhyme schemes. I know Eliot isn't known for his "easy" poetry, but this seemed a little too much like ...more
You've read of several kinds of Cat,
And my opinion now is that
You should need no interpreter
To understand their character.
You now have learned enough to see
That Cats are much like you and me
And other people whom we find
Possessed of various types of mind.
For some are sane and some are mad
And some are good and some are bad
And some are better, some are worse -
But all may be described in verse.
I look forward to attending the musical, C...more
And my opinion now is that
You should need no interpreter
To understand their character.
You now have learned enough to see
That Cats are much like you and me
And other people whom we find
Possessed of various types of mind.
For some are sane and some are mad
And some are good and some are bad
And some are better, some are worse -
But all may be described in verse.
I look forward to attending the musical, C...more
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. I'm hesitant to pick up anything this concerned with cats (and had I know it's relation the musical I never would have). But there were a few poems that I rather enjoyed, that made me laugh a little. And of course Edward Gorey's illustrations are pretty funny.
BEST: Growltiger's Last Stand and The Rum Tum Tugger (the picture of the cat leaping on to the woman's lap while she's sewing est bahahah)
LAMEST: The Song of the Jellicles. I'...more
BEST: Growltiger's Last Stand and The Rum Tum Tugger (the picture of the cat leaping on to the woman's lap while she's sewing est bahahah)
LAMEST: The Song of the Jellicles. I'...more
it annoys me that i can't read these poems without hearing the soundtrack to Cats. had andrew lloyd webber not jacked all these poems and set them to music, choreography, and flamboyant costuming (please do a google images search for "the rumtumtugger") i think i would find these actually quite entertaining. in any event i'm glad t.s. eliot felt that it was a good idea for him to write a bizarre book of silly poems about cats.
i think these poems show a lot of discernment w...more
i think these poems show a lot of discernment w...more
Kate
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Edward Gorey fans, kitties
Recommended to Kate by:
Mungo Jerry
Shelves:
childrensbooks,
poetry
"Macavity's a ginger cat, he's very tall and thin;
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake."
"Before a Cat will condescend
To treat you as a trusted friend,
Some litt...more
You would know him if you saw him, for his eyes are sunken in.
His brow is deeply lined with thought, his head is highly domed;
His coat is dusty from neglect, his whiskers are uncombed.
He sways his head from side to side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he's half asleep, he's always wide awake."
"Before a Cat will condescend
To treat you as a trusted friend,
Some litt...more
Iris
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those being introduced to poetry; cat lovers
The 15 poems in Old Possum's Book of Pratical Cats are fun, straight-foward poems that delve into the mystery of cats. I especially enjoyed "The Naming of Cats"; it explains the three types of names possessed by every cat. Most of the other poems explore the personalities of cats. Edward Gorey's pen-and-ink drawings add to the charm of the poems. As a movie, this would be definately rated G, even with the battle between the Pekes and the Pollicles. :)
I have wanted to read this book for awhile and happened upon a copy as we unpacked our boxes from moving. This particular copy appears to have been purchased in May 1974, most likely by my Dad. It was a bit nostalgic for me to read through this poetry and imagine my Dad, almost 31 years old, reading this book. It also brought me back to countless trips to the Paperback Booksmith at the Nashua Mall, where this was likely purchased (by the receipt and bookmark tucked inside the book.)
...more
...more
One of my favorite poetry books. I have read it many times and keep it handy just to read one or two of the poems again and again. Of course the play Cats is almost completely based on this book although there are possibly two or three other poems that are also in the play Cats. I think that is one reason that I love the poems so much because I enjoyed the play a great deal. Funny I am really a big dog lover but this poetry book is wonderful.
Are you kidding me!?!? I love, love, love this book of poems! Not only did it serve as the inspiration to my FAVORITE musical of all time; it is also set in London....and I was familiar with a number of the locations in this book. If anyone could possibly get close to the motivation of a cat (an I don't think anyone can) T.S.Eliot came pretty damn close! Jellical cats come one come all, Jellicals come to the Jellical Ball! LOVE IT!
I don't enjoy much poetry but was pleasantly surprised by this slim volume of poems. Cat lovers young and old will enjoy the descriptions in the book. I checked it out to read to my girls before they saw the musical CATS (based on these poems) and I was so glad I did. The girls enjoyed the musical all the more because they were familiar with the material, and they continue to want to read the poems each night before bed.
I first read these poems in Children's Digest. I should probably get this edition, because those 'digest' magazines tend to leave a lot out. I didn't know that Gorey had illustrated a version, either.
I can't compare the poems to the Musical Cats, because I've never seen the musical. The bits I've heard on clip shows and suchlike don't include my favorite: 'MacAvity The Mystery Cat'--but maybe it's in the full version.
I can't compare the poems to the Musical Cats, because I've never seen the musical. The bits I've heard on clip shows and suchlike don't include my favorite: 'MacAvity The Mystery Cat'--but maybe it's in the full version.
Fun with words and rhythm, fun with cat personalities, this is a book for uncovering some of the mystery of cats and the fun of poetry. I found many of the cats from "Cats" ... Old Deuteronomy, MacCavity, the Jellicle Cats, Mr. Mistoffeles, but not the (Dare I say it?) streetwalker of "Touch Me" fame. Did I read it so fast I missed her? If anyone out there can explain her origin, please share with me.
I normally find poetry intimidating (residual unpleasantness from high school/college lit classes), I really enjoyed this book. There are lots of cute made up words and the poems are very easy to read. I felt like I could really bond with the author over cats. I hope to read this together with my daughter once she's old enough to read or at least can sit still a bit longer than she can now.
I know that most people shiver in horror when they discover this is the book that the musical "Cats" is based upon, however, Mr. Eliot is billiant and this book is fantastic. Regardless of your opinion on "Memories", you need to read this. I could quote all of "Jellical Cats" when I was 12. Some of these poems are chiling, most are funny, none are sickeningly sweet.
I was lucky enough to come across this one in a library bookstore. I got it because of the Gorey illustrations and also I thought it would be fun to read to my future children. Well, now I have a child and it IS fun to read aloud to him (especially in an affected accent), even if he's still more interested in chewing on the book than in what it actually says.
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Thomas Stearns Eliot was a poet, dramatist and literary critic. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 "for his outstanding, pioneer contribution to present-day poetry." He wrote the poems The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, The Hollow Men, Ash Wednesday, and Four Quartets; the plays Murder in the Cathedral and The Cocktail Party; and the essay Tradition and t...more
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“The Pekes and the Pollicles, everyone knows,
Are proud and implacable, passionate foes;
It is always the same, wherever one goes.
And the Pugs and the Poms, although most people say
that they do not like fighting, will often display
Every symptom of wanting to join in the fray.
And they
Bark bark bark bark bark bark
Until you can hear them all over the park.”
—
6 people liked it
Are proud and implacable, passionate foes;
It is always the same, wherever one goes.
And the Pugs and the Poms, although most people say
that they do not like fighting, will often display
Every symptom of wanting to join in the fray.
And they
Bark bark bark bark bark bark
Until you can hear them all over the park.”
“The name that no human research can discover--
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.”
