Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The first ever illustrated history of the world's most noble species from prehistoric times to present day--as told by the cats who lived it
A Cat's Tale will be the first true history of feline kind: our origins; our exploits; the evolution of our relationship with our human companions; and the surprising ways in which our history parallels that of humanity. Heretofore, our ambassadors to the human world have been fictitious, lumbering louts like Garfield--or real-life cats simply esteemed for being cute, such as Lil Bub. I'm here to tell you real cats do not hate Nermal or Mondays--we don't use a weekly calendar at all. And real cats don't pose for selfies.
With A Cat's Tale, I am here to correct the record and expose the reality of feline greatness. Our story spans tens of thousands of miles and many thousands of years. It is a story that humanity has so far stubbornly refused to learn, ignored in favor of a fantasy history beginning with a lie: the absurd notion that you domesticated us. Really? If that's what you believe, go find a bobcat and try.
From the prehistoric Felis (a large mammal from which all domestic cats have descended) to ancient Egyptian cat goddess, key cats of the Enlightenment to swashbuckling pirate felines and infamous American tabbies, the story of our kind is told here in its totality. And perhaps, dear reader, you will rightfully come to this book for the cats--but, I promise, you will walk away with a fun and interesting history lesson to boot.
Synopsis
A comprehensive history of felines and their impact on the world--from prehistoric origins to present-day status as beloved companions--told through the cats who lived it
For thousands of years, mankind has developed as a civilization built on the mythos that we are the most powerful beings on earth, domesticating other animals as household pets for mere entertainment. Yet this absurd fantasy could not be further from the truth, as your own cat would say if you gave him or her a chance. But no bother. Baba the Cat is here to finally set the record straight and expose the reality of feline greatness.
The true story of cats today spans tens of thousands of miles, and many thousands of years. From the prehistoric Felis (a large mammal from which all domestic cats have descended) to the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, key cats of the Enlightenment period, and infamous American tabbies, their complex history is compiled here in its totality for the first time. Along the way, Baba introduces us to some of history's most famous feline figures, with helpful (not to mention inspiring) photos of herself in period costume, which offer a startling new portrait of the ways in which the history of cats parallels that of our own.
Featuring an unforgettable narrative voice and in-depth research that carries readers across the globe, A Cat's Tale is a one-of-a-kind history that urges readers to reexamine the furry yet cunning creatures in our lives, forever altering how we understand the storied relationship between mankind and its feline counterparts.
Synopsis
The first comprehensive history of felines--from the laps of pagan gods to present-day status as meme stars--as revealed by a very learned tabby with a knack for hunting down facts
Since the dawn of civilization, felines have prowled alongside mankind as they expanded their territory and spread the myth of human greatness, overlooking other animals as mere household pets. And today, cats are peddled on social media as silly creatures here to amuse humans with their antics. But this is an absurd, self-centered fantasy. The true history of felines is one of heroism, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and gravitas. Not entirely convinced? Well, get ready, because Baba the Cat is here to set the record straight.
Spanning almost every continent and thousands--yes, thousands--of years, Baba's complex story of feline survival presents readers with a diverse cast of cats long forgotten: from her prehistoric feline ancestors and the ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet to the daring mariners at the height of oceanic discovery, key intellectuals in the Enlightenment period, revered heroes from World Wars I and II, and even the American tabbies, whose influence in Hollywood has defined cat representation for decades. Baba, a talented model in addition to a scholar, goes beyond surface-level scratches, pairing her freshly unearthed research with a series of stunning costume portraits to bring history to life. As the decades flip forward, Baba shows not only how deeply embedded feline influence is within the human zeitgeist (nine lives, anyone?), but also how narrow and misguided understandings of existence on this planet remain.
A paws-on journey through the feline hall of fame, with in-depth research and four-legged testaments that will make you rethink who defines history, A Cat's Tale is a one-of-a-kind chronicle that introduces readers to the illustrious ancestors of their closest companions and shows, once and for all, that cats know exactly what they're doing.
Synopsis
Charming, funny, and informative . . . Even cat aficionados will learn something new--and have fun doing it.
--Publishers Weekly
The first comprehensive history of felines--from the laps of pagan gods to present-day status as meme stars--as revealed by a very learned tabby with a knack for hunting down facts
Since the dawn of civilization, felines have prowled alongside mankind as they expanded their territory and spread the myth of human greatness. And today, cats are peddled on social media as silly creatures here to amuse humans with their antics. But this is an absurd, self-centered fantasy. The true history of felines is one of heroism, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and gravitas. Not entirely convinced? Well, get ready, because Baba the Cat is here to set the record straight.
Spanning almost every continent and thousands--yes, thousands--of years, Baba's complex story of feline survival presents readers with a diverse cast of cats long forgotten: from her prehistoric feline ancestors and the ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet to the daring mariners at the height of oceanic discovery, key intellectuals in the Enlightenment period, revered heroes from World Wars I and II, and the infamous American tabbies. Baba, a talented model in addition to a scholar, goes beyond surface-level scratches, pairing her freshly unearthed research with a series of stunning costume portraits to bring history to life.
A paws-on journey through the feline hall of fame, with in-depth research and four-legged testaments that will make you rethink who defines history, A Cat's Tale is a one-of-a-kind chronicle that introduces readers to the illustrious ancestors of their closest companions and shows, once and for all, that cats know exactly what they're doing.
Synopsis
Fun, fanciful, and even informative.
--People
The first comprehensive history of felines--from the laps of pagan gods to present-day status as meme stars--as revealed by a very learned tabby with a knack for hunting down facts
Since the dawn of civilization, felines have prowled alongside mankind as they expanded their territory and spread the myth of human greatness. And today, cats are peddled on social media as silly creatures here to amuse humans with their antics. But this is an absurd, self-centered fantasy. The true history of felines is one of heroism, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and gravitas. Not entirely convinced? Well, get ready, because Baba the Cat is here to set the record straight.
Spanning almost every continent and thousands--yes, thousands--of years, Baba's complex story of feline survival presents readers with a diverse cast of cats long forgotten: from her prehistoric feline ancestors and the ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet to the daring mariners at the height of oceanic discovery, key intellectuals in the Enlightenment period, revered heroes from World Wars I and II, and the infamous American tabbies. Baba, a talented model in addition to a scholar, goes beyond surface-level scratches, pairing her freshly unearthed research with a series of stunning costume portraits to bring history to life.
A paws-on journey through the feline hall of fame, with in-depth research and four-legged testaments that will make you rethink who defines history, A Cat's Tale is a one-of-a-kind chronicle that introduces readers to the illustrious ancestors of their closest companions and shows, once and for all, that cats know exactly what they're doing.