99 Lives: Cats in History, Legend and Literature

By Howard Loxton

Book Overview

Beautifully illustrated and intriguing to read, 99 Livesoffers something new about the beloved cat--a cultural history in which we meet legendary figures of the feline kingdom through the ages and around the world. Brimming with cat lore, myth, and history, this fascinating ramble through the ages takes the cat's eye view of such notable times and cultures as ancient Egypt, medieval Europe, and czarist Russia. We learn the stories of 99 particular cats of great distinction and renown-from Oscar, a World War II seafaring cat, to the Siamese honored at the coronation of the King of Siam. We also meet ordinary, real-life cats who have done extraordinary things, like Josie, who warned her owners of a coming earthquake. More than 140 images by esteemed artists and photographers capture the enigmatic feline personality and make this a richly enjoyable celebration. Cat owners may well recognize shades of their own cats in the pages of this delightful book, perfect for everyone whose imagination has been caught by the cat's supreme self-possession, sensuality, and mystery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811821617
• ISBN13: 9780811821612
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Chronicle Books Llc
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Delightful Book!

I simply cannot keep this pretty volume on my shelf, so lovely are its pages! Adorned throughout with wonderful stories, illustrations, poetry, and photographs- all paying great homage to one of this life's great treasures: Cats - it's indeed a book that's too much an absolute delight for one to help but turn to again and again and again. Only this morning, long before the sun rose- raving with insomnia, I got up & made a hot cup of tea, fluffed the cushions on the wingback chair by my window, cuddled up with my fat, fluffy cat, Armand, and found myself browsing oncemore through this book --- delving into such chapters as "Cats by Night", "Cats at Sea", "Cats in High Places", and "Church Cats". Armand purred, and nudged my hand with his flat face each time I paused whilst stroking his soft fur. He simply cannot abide having less than my wholehearted attention. Ah, but just how such moments can soothe an old soul is far beyond my own power to describe! Eloquently, Algernon Swinburne's poem on page 27 grasps that feeling: "Stately, kindly, lordly friend, Condescend Here to sit by me, and turn Glorious eyes that smile and burn, Golden eyes, love's lustrous mead, On the golden page I read." Truly, not unlike any of my beloved feline family members, this is a warm, aesthetic pleasure to keep somewhere nearby me while in my sanctuary~

Great Cat Book!

What a great cat book! Features 99 cat lives, terrific color photos, paintings, and drawings, and fine commentary. Features practically every conceivable (domestic) cat throught the ages, and will provide fun, entertainment, and education for years to come!

Beautiful Cats Book

This is a great book for cats lovers. It's beautifully illustrated and got lots of interesting information.

A must have for a cat lovers collection

I have many, many books in my "cat collection" and this is one of the most beautiful. Not only is the color of the art georgeous, but the essays are thoughtful and informative. This is the one I drag out most often to show off.