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15th out of 618 books
—
269 voters
The Fur Person
by
May Sarton
May Sarton's fictionalized account of her cat Tom Jones's life and
adventures prior to making the author's acquaintance begins with a
fiercely independent, nameless street cat who follows the ten
commandments of the Gentleman Cat—including "A Gentleman Cat allows no constraint of his person, not even loving constraint." But after several years of roaming, Tom has grown tired...more
adventures prior to making the author's acquaintance begins with a
fiercely independent, nameless street cat who follows the ten
commandments of the Gentleman Cat—including "A Gentleman Cat allows no constraint of his person, not even loving constraint." But after several years of roaming, Tom has grown tired...more
Paperback, 106 pages
Published
November 28th 1978
by W. W. Norton & Co.
(first published 1957)
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Oct 19, 2010
Susan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Cat Lovers
Recommended to Susan by:
I know some one person gave me my first copy but I can't recall 2when or who.
Shelves:
all-time-favorites
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The Ten Commandments of the Gentleman Cat
I. A Gentleman Cat has an immaculate shirt front and paws at all times.
II. A Gentleman Cat allows no constraint of his person, even loving constraint.
III. A Gentleman Cat does not mew except in extremity. He makes his wishes known and waits.
IV. When addressed, a Gentleman Cat does not move a muscle. He looks as if he hadn't heard.
V. When frightened, a Gentleman Cat looks bored.
VI. A Gentleman Cat takes no interest in other people's affairs, unless he is d...more
I. A Gentleman Cat has an immaculate shirt front and paws at all times.
II. A Gentleman Cat allows no constraint of his person, even loving constraint.
III. A Gentleman Cat does not mew except in extremity. He makes his wishes known and waits.
IV. When addressed, a Gentleman Cat does not move a muscle. He looks as if he hadn't heard.
V. When frightened, a Gentleman Cat looks bored.
VI. A Gentleman Cat takes no interest in other people's affairs, unless he is d...more
#15. The Fur Person is a book that I think any cat lover will cherish. I reread it every couple of years and can always see so much of my cats in Tom Jones (even though my cats are girls). We follow Tom Jones on his journey from a Cat About Town to his discovery of a loving family, and his evolution with his new family, Brusque Voice (May Sarton) and Gentle Voice (Judy Matlack), from Gentleman Cat into a Fur Person. I would imagine that May Sarton took some literary freedom in relating Tom's ear...more
This book is more than fifty years old, but it's still around for a reason. May Sarton engages all her skill to create her cat character from a convincingly feline point of view. She cherishes and empathizes with her Tom Jones without sentimentalizing him. By the time this small book is done, you feel as though you and Sarton have become the cat, just as the cat has become a "fur person." Recommended as a gift not only for cat lovers but for people like me who simply find cats sort of interestin...more
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This little gem of a book is a darling even to someone like me, who likes animals, but prefers them outside. Tom is cat-about-town who is weary of the independent life he has chosen has lived all his life. As he goes about searching for the "purrfect" home in which to retire, you can see cat written all over him. Certain expectations must be met! I loved the way May Sarton gave language to her furry friend and delighted with him as he made his way into the purfect cat house.
Excellent tale of a Gentleman Cat and Cat About Town, who decides it's time he found a housekeeper. Eventually he finds two--Sarton ("Brusque Voice") and her partner ("Gentle Voice"). After one too many fights with the neighbor toms, Tom Jones (as he's now known, named for another foundling) is altered and becomes a Philosopher, a Cat of Peace. He also discovers the 11th commandment of the Gentleman Cat--that in choosing to share his life with humans he becomes a "fur person," half-cat and half-...more
Wonderful book for cat lovers. I was able to read the book in one sitting so if you're looking for something deep, this isn't it. If you're looking for something fun to read, that will make you smile and laugh, this is the book for you. The book is written from a cats point of view. If you live with cats, you would definitely appreciate this book. It put me in a wonderful mood after reading it :-).
A sweet, well-written, old-fashioned sort of book for young people told from the point of view of The Fur Person, a tom cat, who is in search for a home. May Sarton does a lovely job of capturing cat antics--and poking slight fun at herself and at our efforts to give human traits to "domestic" animals--a book to read to your grandchildren, if they can sit long enough for a short chapter book.
Mar 06, 2013
Anna Vickery
added it
What a light-hearted fun story told through the words of a cat about himself. An adorable feline who just wants to settle down and find the love and companionship of humans. This story reminds me of one of my cats of whom I have always thought of as a little person.
is a delightful book by a person who has clearly lived with cats. The 10 cat commandments are a cute way to outline basic cat behavior. I especially liked watching the cat protagonist's progression from Cat About Town to Gentleman Cat to Gentle Cat to finally Fur Person.
This book's cat, later named Tom Jones, reminds me a great deal of one of my grandmother's cats, a young stray we named Oliver (for Oliver Twist). He too went through the transformations outlined in the this book and after my gra...more
This book's cat, later named Tom Jones, reminds me a great deal of one of my grandmother's cats, a young stray we named Oliver (for Oliver Twist). He too went through the transformations outlined in the this book and after my gra...more
One of my all time favorites. Maybe not so enchanting if you are not a "cat" person.
I have shared this book with many cat lovers. It is very sweet. Life from the cats perspective...not a cartoony cat but a realistic veiw
I have shared this book with many cat lovers. It is very sweet. Life from the cats perspective...not a cartoony cat but a realistic veiw
On my top-10 list of Cutest Things Ever Read. Recommended for cat lovers and the whimsical. Also recommended for anyone feeling iffy about neutering their pet. (It will convince you. Please spay and neuter your pets.)
Absolutely one of my favorite books ever. This delightful book takes the reader through our wonderful world seen through the eyes of a 'cat about town' who finally allows himself to be loved by humans. Don't miss it!
Originally written in 1957 and only 100 pages, this is taken from the true adventures of the author's cat, written from the cat's point of view. Delightful read with many cat behaviors explained by the cat himself.
May Sarton has always been one of my favorite authors. I thought I had read all her books, but to my surprise I missed this one. This book was an absolute delight. Ms. Sarton manages to capture very well the personality of a cat. Though I did think at times she projected some of unwarranted selfishness on to this cat's personality. Cats aren't selfish, they're just cats. Still I laughed at the antics of Tom Jones, and paused to think whether my cats could possibly have any of these thoughts. Any...more
I happened upon this quite accidentally in a thrift store and bought it for the illustrations, but ended up absolutely loving it and laughing out loud at parts. I don't think I've read a more charming book.
This book is SO fabulous. It's short and fun, and if you have ever loved a cat then you have to read it. I think I smiled the entire time I was reading it. Plus it has a happy cat ending. =)
Clever autobiography of a Gentleman Cat, dictated I suppose to the poetess May Sarton. Ms. Sarton, to the extent the writing is hers is very attuned to the mind of the cat.
If I try to describe this book, it will sounds cutesy. But it really wasn't. A fun glimpse into the mind of a fictional cat (and short enough that you don't get sick of it.)
Looking for a gift for the person in your life who loves cats, and you just can't stand to give them another cat mug?. Look no further.
How I love this book by poet May Sarton about her Gentleman Cat, Tom Jones (because Tom Jones was also a foundling!) and his Ten Commandments, especially 3: "A Gentleman Cat does not mew except in extremity. He makes his wishes known and waits." I plan to buy several copies and send them to friends for birthdays.
In the middle of this book, two cats have a spontaneous rap battle. Worth the read for that alone.
(Note: Goodreads page count is wrong on the paperback.)
(Note: Goodreads page count is wrong on the paperback.)
Thanks to Julie Z. for recommending this little gem. Such a pleasure for a cat person who no longer has a cat! A great interpretation of the cat psyche, obviously stemming from close involvement with a Fur Person.
The best book about the mind of a cat. We are only here to be their handmaidens! And to get their toys out from under furniture.
Re-read for the umpteenth time LOVE this book! Will now be looking for a newer copy
Charming little tale. Like something you'd read out loud with the family.
I loved it. A delightful little book about an alley cat that adopts two women.
May Sarton's ode to her cat, is a must-read for any cat lover.
Just re-read this classic. A must read for all cat lovers.
A delightful book that blurs the line between cats and humans.
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May Sarton (May 3, 1912-July 16, 1995) was an American poet, novelist, and memoirist born in Wondelgem, Belgium. Many of her novels and poems are pellucid reflections of the lesbian experience.
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