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The Literary Cat
One moment, a cat walks straight across your opened book, oblivious to your presence.
The next moment it rubs affectionately against your leg.
No one truly knows cats - but we love them just the same.
Here are the words of their literary companions, from Leonardo da Vinci to Colette.
Through the uncommon observatons, timeless wisdom, and sharp wit of these writers, you can gain insight into the mysterious world of the cat.
Our Miniature Editions "TM" collection continues to grow. Since 1989, when our first minis appeared, Running Press has offered an astonishing range of subjects, sure to find a place in any booklover's library.
Visit the golf course for nine holes, head to the kitchen with the Silver Palate chefs, travel to the heavens above, or rediscover the wonders of nature in your own backyard.
The next moment it rubs affectionately against your leg.
No one truly knows cats - but we love them just the same.
Here are the words of their literary companions, from Leonardo da Vinci to Colette.
Through the uncommon observatons, timeless wisdom, and sharp wit of these writers, you can gain insight into the mysterious world of the cat.
Our Miniature Editions "TM" collection continues to grow. Since 1989, when our first minis appeared, Running Press has offered an astonishing range of subjects, sure to find a place in any booklover's library.
Visit the golf course for nine holes, head to the kitchen with the Silver Palate chefs, travel to the heavens above, or rediscover the wonders of nature in your own backyard.
- GenresCatsNonfiction
94 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 23, 2024
While I was reading this book I began to think of all the authors who had obsessions with cats or who had written about them ... perhaps the most written about animal. And then the answer came up to hit me in the face as American writer and photographer Karl Van Vechten wrote, 'As an inspiration to the author, I do not think the cat can be over-estimated. He [or even she] suggests so much grace, power, beauty, motion, mysticism. I do not wonder that many writers love cats; I am only surprised that all do not.'
And Dr Louis J Camuti, an American veterinarian, speaks the truth (and so he should in his profession) when he says, 'Never ask a hungry cat whether he [or it could, of course, be she] loves you for your self alone.' We don't want to know the answer ... we already do!
There are plenty more aphorisms, quotations and maxims from literary people; there are funny ones and pithy ones and they make for amusing and entertaining reading.
20 December 2024
I can't resist cats and books so 'The Literary Cat' was worth a re-read and this opening to the Introduction immediately put me in the mood, 'No wonder the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as gods- is there an animal with more dignity, more aloof serenity, and innate grandeur? What other domestic creature behaves like an honoured and is treated as an equal?'
The book contains plenty of wise words of wisdom about the cat and particularly about their relationships with us humans. The Introduction ends with 'Cats do as they please and for that we admire - and even revere them. They treat us as companions, demanding and receiving our respect as their due. The fact that they choose to spend their lives with us is a gift we accept gratefully.' Very true indeed.
So, in the opening words of the book, spoken by Colette the French writer, 'There are no ordinary cats.' And in the words of another French writer, Theophile Gautier, 'The cat is a dilettante in fur.' There is nothing more to say!
And Dr Louis J Camuti, an American veterinarian, speaks the truth (and so he should in his profession) when he says, 'Never ask a hungry cat whether he [or it could, of course, be she] loves you for your self alone.' We don't want to know the answer ... we already do!
There are plenty more aphorisms, quotations and maxims from literary people; there are funny ones and pithy ones and they make for amusing and entertaining reading.
20 December 2024
I can't resist cats and books so 'The Literary Cat' was worth a re-read and this opening to the Introduction immediately put me in the mood, 'No wonder the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats as gods- is there an animal with more dignity, more aloof serenity, and innate grandeur? What other domestic creature behaves like an honoured and is treated as an equal?'
The book contains plenty of wise words of wisdom about the cat and particularly about their relationships with us humans. The Introduction ends with 'Cats do as they please and for that we admire - and even revere them. They treat us as companions, demanding and receiving our respect as their due. The fact that they choose to spend their lives with us is a gift we accept gratefully.' Very true indeed.
So, in the opening words of the book, spoken by Colette the French writer, 'There are no ordinary cats.' And in the words of another French writer, Theophile Gautier, 'The cat is a dilettante in fur.' There is nothing more to say!
January 16, 2024
Miniature photograph albums can be inspiring or amusing but I would not pay $5.00+ CDN for them, no matter what their subject. Cards, however, with the handwritten messages of loved-ones, are profound to receive and give. I had a greeting card business. My Mom & I keep personal messages. Always write the year on cards, letters, and photographs!
When it comes to packaging a collection of pretty pictures and verses, however, even a sentimental woman like me feels that they were manufactured - literally made up - for stationery producers and suppliers to generate sales. Some photographs stop my heart for a moment, for looking like beloved cat family members, or are adorable themselves. Some floral paintings and reflections on nature, gardening, parents, Siblings, and friends are sweet. However, I find that they lack substance because an individual artist did not gather them together. Stock images and generic words are recycled.
I bought “The Literary Cat: Miniature Edition” 1990, from a community book sale to fill out our purchase price when there was little that we wanted. Naomi Kurz (artist) & Judith Barbour Osborne (designer) imbued their album with meaningful sayings but line drawings accompany them. Erroneous quotes about cats as too mysterious or solitary to know and understand intimately, have to stop being circulated. That is, as my Mom would say: “crapola”! Few people write about cats as the loyal, equal family members they unquestionably are.
I have “gift books” from my Mom, when special themes tenderly reminded her of me. Many pages truly are profound. Sometimes portraiture and reflections are so lovely and relatable, they shine past the boundaries of their miniature milieus and move me with glowing feelings. I appreciate gift books mainly as the warm-hearted messages from my Mom, who was moved to think of me.
When it comes to packaging a collection of pretty pictures and verses, however, even a sentimental woman like me feels that they were manufactured - literally made up - for stationery producers and suppliers to generate sales. Some photographs stop my heart for a moment, for looking like beloved cat family members, or are adorable themselves. Some floral paintings and reflections on nature, gardening, parents, Siblings, and friends are sweet. However, I find that they lack substance because an individual artist did not gather them together. Stock images and generic words are recycled.
I bought “The Literary Cat: Miniature Edition” 1990, from a community book sale to fill out our purchase price when there was little that we wanted. Naomi Kurz (artist) & Judith Barbour Osborne (designer) imbued their album with meaningful sayings but line drawings accompany them. Erroneous quotes about cats as too mysterious or solitary to know and understand intimately, have to stop being circulated. That is, as my Mom would say: “crapola”! Few people write about cats as the loyal, equal family members they unquestionably are.
I have “gift books” from my Mom, when special themes tenderly reminded her of me. Many pages truly are profound. Sometimes portraiture and reflections are so lovely and relatable, they shine past the boundaries of their miniature milieus and move me with glowing feelings. I appreciate gift books mainly as the warm-hearted messages from my Mom, who was moved to think of me.
September 24, 2017
Cats and literature go together. A cat can slip in with muse like inspiration for a writer and the comfort of a kindred spirit for the reader.
December 20, 2017
Charming little book with quotes from authors and artists on the wonders of cats. A nice and inspiring gift or keepsake for any cat lover.
February 12, 2021
Makes me smile to think of the truth in all the quips, quotes, and observations of cat by master story-tellers.
January 1, 2023
An excellent selection of quotes.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? I don't really see a need to.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? I don't really see a need to.
Would I recommend it? Yes.
September 24, 2023
Beautiful quotes from great literary minds about my favorite creatures!
September 3, 2024
A couple of excellent entries, no bad ones
July 17, 2022
Lovely little book
November 15, 2016
This charming little book contains nothing more than a compilation of quotations praising the feline for being exactly as it is.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews