Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats Hardcover – Illustrated, August 30, 1982

I love this book so much! It is the BEST illustrated version of T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." I was a tad sad that the corner was dinged in the post, but otherwise it is purrrrrfect.

I love T. S. Elliot. This book is a special treasure because of Gorey's artwork. I loved it as a kid and as an old lady. I was so happy to find a hard back edition. There is a particular delight in discovering the resemblance of the cats to some other fictional and nonfictional characters. Sorry, I did not like the musical they made from the idea if this book. But then, I hate nearly all popular musicals. I do love this book and the artwork. It is a classic on my shelf for anytime I, or anyone else needs a smile. I hope you enjoy it and share it with someone, perhaps another generation will love it, too.

I accidentally came across this little booklet and CD called GRUNT – Pigorian Chant,” and I found it to be one of most charming and humorous books I have seen in a long time.This little book contains the Latin (and even Pig Latin!) texts of a totally fictitious farm, where the animals live on a kind of “Old MacDonald’s Funny Farm,” (this song is indeed mentioned in Latinized form), but strictly regulated and patterned after medieval monastic daily life. The pages opposite to the hilarious Latin texts are helpful English translations—of course, it’s even better if the reader brings along some knowledge of Latin. The Introduction presents a bogus history of the “non-existent farmstead of Snouto Domoinko de Silo,” where the pigs are called twelve times a day to grunt their “unadorned, ethereal music of Pigorian Chant.”I found especially appealing the mix of different snippets of Latin, ranging from allusions to the Catholic liturgy to Latin proverbs, quotes, puns, and terms. Horace’s famous “Carpe diem!” is quoted in the correct Latin plural command form “Carpite Diem,” when the nervous chickens desperately exhort the lazy pigs (who would as soon snooze and snore the whole day away) to make productive use of the day.Well-known children’s book illustrator Sarah Boynton contributed caricature-like, but appealing, renditions of pigs, chickens, cows, ducks, and sheep, and the singing voices on the accompanying CD are well chosen, even professional.While often using the form of parody, the resulting product is never irreverent or offensive—at worst, there may be a slight critique of New Age mindless use of Gregorian chant as background for relaxation exercises.

Excellent book of poems about cats, that the play Cats is derived from. Fun

Im giving a four star because it was packaged very nicely with care. I guess I didnt read the description when ordering. The book is nice but it is small almost a pocket size, it only measures 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches, wish it was a slighltly larger font size and perhaps a slightly larger paper size, like an 8 by 10 inches. When reading a page I can see the letters of the page behind it, through the poor quality paper. It is not the suppliers fault, it is just how the books were printed. Overall enjoy the stories and will keep it but might not give to someone as a present. Nice quality books of substanace are becoming more rare. Just a sign of the times.

Unpretentious easy read. Obviously written by someone that knows cats

I had read this book before and loved it, but when I met Boris, a real, live version of Rum Tum Tugger, I had to buy a copy to show his owner.It is amazing how little had to be done to turn these poems into a great musical comedy. I am, of course, talking about Cats. Most of the poems went directly into the show without any change whatever in their wording, and only three songs were added. Let's give full credit to Mr. Webber, It took a musical genius to do that, and one of the added songs, Memories, could stand alone as a masterpiece in any company, but most of the delight of the show comes from the wonderful feline characters created in this book.Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Gus the theatre cat, Spindleshanks, Bustipher Brown, McCavity, Mr. Mistofflees, Mungo Jerry, and Rumpleteaser all moved effortlessly from page to stage with no changes. That has to be some sort of record. If you loved Cats (the show) you need to read this book. If you love cats (the critters) you'll want to read this book. If you like poetry, you should read this book. If you like dogs, read the battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles. (You can skip over the part about the intervention of the great rumpus cat.)It was written for his godchildren, but it's a great read for everyone. It's not expensive, so get it to read to your children, but read it for yourself first.

I bought this cute little book strictly on a whim, just wanting to read the poetry of T.S.Eliot that inspired this clever musical play. It was such fun to read the dialogue and then go back and listen to a CD of the musical “Cats”. Makes you appreciate the creative and imaginative musical genius of the composer.