Synopses & Reviews
Cats are the most enigmatic and alluring of domestic animals. Beguiling beauty, fierce independence, aloof intelligence, and self-sufficiency characterize their long and exotic history.
The Elegance of the Cat is a celebration of this most captivating animal and a moving account of the feline's journey from the wild to a comfortable domestic existence.
In this beautifully illustrated book, established author and animal specialist Tamsin Pickeral traces the colorful and tumultuous history of the cat, from its glory days in Egypt to its arrival in America on creaking ships, and explores the diverse role of the cat in each culture, culminating in the "modern" history of cats, the origins of cat shows, and the selective breeding of pure bred, pedigreed animals.
Open this richly illustrated book and you will discover the stories behind more than fifty breeds of cat; from the lithe-bodied Abyssinian, originating in Ancient Egypt, to the intelligent Russian Blue, with its unique silver-blue coat; and from the graceful, long-haired Balinese to the lop-eared Scottish Fold. The evocative and informative text is accompanied by stunning photographs of every featured breed by award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson. Her breathtaking images capture the many facets of what makes a cat a cat--its beauty, spirit, intelligence, and wit. The Elegance of the Cat is an essential volume for everyone who loves cats.
Synopsis
They were worshipped as gods by the ancient Egyptians, and down through the centuries they've been admired and kept as pets by cultures all over the world. Enigmatic, aloof, and independent, cats remain to this day the most enthralling of domestic animals. Now, the noted team consisting of animal writer Tamsin Pickeral and award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson present a richly detailed and sumptuously illustrated history of the cat. Their beautiful new book traces the long, colorful, often tumultuous history of domesticated cats from their glory days in Egypt to the present time. Explored in these pages are:
The diverse roles of cats in different culturesThe intriguing stories behind more than 50 feline breedsThe origins of selective breeding and the history of cat showsReaders will also take pleasure in wonderful color photos that include candid pictures of the lithe-bodied Abyssinian, the traditional longhaired Balinese, the lop-eared Scottish Fold, the green-eyed Russian Blue with its stunning silver-blue coat, the Tabby, beloved in countless homes as a household pet, and many, many more. Here, in an extraordinarily handsome oversize volume, is a comprehensive reference book and a unique visual experience--an exquisite showcase of cats in all their splendor. Printed throughout in full color, The Elegance of the Cat features approximately 400 gorgeous photos.
Synopsis
Once again, animal expert Tamsin Pickeral and award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson combine their unique ability to capture the very essence of an animal in this richly detailed and sumptuously illustrated celebration of the domestic cat. This inspiring new study balances Pickeral's informative text, which explores the journey of the feline from its origins in the wild to its domestic existence across cultures and continents, with Harrison's breathtaking photography of more than 50 recognized cat breeds. The Elegance of the Cat is an exquisite showcase of cats in all their splendor.
About the Author
Tamsin Pickeral is an art historian and animal expert who also has many years experience as a veterinary nurse. She is a widely published author of books on animal themes including The Majesty of the Horse and The Spirit of the Dog, both available from Barron's. Astrid Harrisson is a widely traveled photographer and graphic designer who specializes in animal photography. Among her many credits are her two previous collaborations with Tamsin Pickeral, The Majesty of the Horse and The Spirit of the Dog, both available from Barron's.