- Paperback: 1 pages
- Publisher: Riverhead (TRD) (Nov 1 1996)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1573225665
- ISBN-13: 978-1573225663
- Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 13.7 x 1 cm
- Shipping Weight: 113 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Library Journal
De Laroche, a French journalist who has written several books on cats, explores the historical love-hate relationship between cats and humans. As he explains, the earliest known cat remains associated with human settlement date from 6700 B.C.E. in Jericho. The cat was very important to the early Egyptians, as evidenced in sacred texts, statuary, and the cult of Bastet. In medieval Europe, however, the feline was viewed as a disturbance to the established order of Christianity, and superstitions about cats as the cause of bad luck became widespread. The animals came back into favor through the side door of fairy tales; such stories as "Puss in Boots" (France) and "Dick Whittington" (England) changed people's attitude toward cats. The cat also began to appear in carvings in Roman Catholic sanctuaries. In Japan, the cat reigns in the form of "maneki neko," a statuette of a seated cat with one raised paw. Photographs of magnificent artwork featuring cats throughout the ages illustrate the straightforward text, but the true treat are the lovely photos of real cats. Michaels (The Men's Club, LJ 4/15/81) has produced a delightful celebration of the cat. His book, featuring about 100 koanlike meditations on the spiritual, physical, and metaphysical aspects of the cat, is illustrated with Frances Lerner's spare, delicate drawings. Some meditations, such as "A cat is not owned by anybody," are reflective. Others ("Dogs tend to look like their masters, but this is never true of a cat. A cat is a highly particular creature") are humorous. Cat lovers would enjoy both these titles. De Laroche's work?a visual pleasure?is reasonably priced but not an essential purchase. Michaels's unique collection would be appreciated in all libraries.?Eva Lautemann, DeKalb Coll. Lib., Clarkston, Ga.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
Elegantly illustrated and attractively designed, a collection of brief, witty and insightful observations on cats and their idiosyncracies by an acclaimed writer makes a unique keepsake for feline fanciers. Lit Guild Feat Alt.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charming & Provocative,
By Jane Handel (Ojai, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cat (Hardcover)
The collaboration between text and illustration make this delightful book an extraordianry success on many levels. It is both humorous and thought-provoking, ironic and poetic, wry and sublime. Lerner's spare, minimal drawings are as eloquent as Michael's words. I would like to buy a dozen to give as gifts if only it weren't so difficult to find!
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ironic Cat,
By River Mortenson (Sebastopol, CA, California USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cat (Paperback)
Leonard Michael's book about cats is a perceptive insight look into the nature of cats. He sees cats in a fanciful way, relying more on his imagination then the concrete facts of feline life. Cats are examined more like a dream than a reality. Being a cat lover, I can understand his feelings. When you're with your cat, it's time to be yourself, be in your own world without the clamor of responsibilities and the constant interruption of your peace and quiet. It is very much like being in a space where you see like a child or understand things emotionally like in a dream. Michaels captures this feeling from your cat's perspective. "When a cat shuts its eyes, you disappear." The sparseness and concise observation of "A Cat" is reminiscent of the Tao Te Ching of Lao Tsu. I do find that cats are like sages, sitting in meditation on life, able to put life in perspective better than humans are. We are inferiors in our efforts to sort out the essentials despite our supposedly superior intelligence. "To be as quick as a cat you must not think." Michaels investigates the irony of a cat's love of privacy while it seems so receptive to affection at the same time. I think he's given me personal insight into why I love cats. I like their ability to be close but it's such a personal closeness that it has more a sense of aloneness than loneliness. I feel comfortable with this book like I do with a cat, although perhaps a little cumbersome in comparison. Michaels says it best, "Compared to a cat, we're big, slow, blundering figures. When we lie down, our gross earthen nature must make us appear something like rocks and trees to a cat. Therefore, it feels free to walk on us." An extra added treat are the wonderful line and brush drawings. > River
5.0 out of 5 stars
cat philosophy,
By John Underwood (Rio Nido, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cat (Paperback)
A wonderful collection of thoughts and meditatations on the mystery of being as incarnated by the cat. Michaels' words take you from the simple pleasure of holding a cat to quotes from Chekov. Lerner's outline gesture drawings suggest the inner mystery of the cat.
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