Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats - by T S Eliot & Edward Gorey (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Delightful Learish verse on very English cat characters, with flashes of superior, donnish satire." -- The New Yorker

"Enough ferocious fancy and parody to knock the spots off most cat books." -- Time

"Mr. Eliot successfully avoides the usual vices of children's books, archness and cuteness; for his cats are practical cats, cats engaged in getting something purposeful done or undone." -- The Nation

"An absolutely marvelous rendition of Eliot's poetic classic, written for his godchildren and friends in the 1930s, which inspired the Broadway musical Cats." -- Library Journal (starred review)