These lovable cat poems were written by T. S. Eliot for his godchildren and friends in the 1930s. They have delighted generations of children since, and inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber's brilliant musical Cats. This edition includes illustrations by Nicolas Bentley.
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
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Amazon Review
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter, it isn't just one of your holiday games;The phenomenal worldwide success in the 1980s of the musical Cats refuelled interest in T.S. Eliot's classic Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats on which the stage extravaganza was based. Old Possum's Book, originally published in 1939 and dedicated to Eliot's godchildren, contains a delightful rogues' gallery of felines, including the Rum Tum Tugger cat whose "disobliging ways are a matter of habit", Mr Mistoffelees "The Original Conjuring Cat" and Macavity: The Mystery Cat "the master criminal who can defy the law". Loved by generations of children and adults alike, Old Possum is perhaps most remarkable for having been written almost as an aside, a plaything, by Eliot, as a distraction from the internal religious and philosophical wranglings he charted in Four Quartets.
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
A warm and witty collection of free-verse poems, which demand to be read aloud and given full dramatic import, this edition of Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats has been reissued by Faber and Faber Limited in a slim pocket-sized edition, with original tongue-in-cheek illustrations by Nicolas Bentley. --Catherine Taylor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'If cats, witchy or not, are your child's thing don't miss the new Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. He captures the quirky soleminity of T.S.Eliot's classic in just a way to make 5+ readers fall in love with it.' (Times 20101223)
These classic cat poems which sum up all the different kinds of cats there can be are given a delightful new look by bestselling Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler. Scheffler's cats are cuddly creatures with expressive eyes through which the cats convey the hilarity and nonsense of T S Eliot's verses. (Julia Eccleshare Lovereading.co.uk )
A lovely edition of an old favourite ... it will be enjoyed again and again. (Carousel 20110311)
This beautifully produced book should be introduced to every child and ought to be in every classroom for children to discover.' (Scholastic: Read Me 20110419) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
These classic cat poems which sum up all the different kinds of cats there can be are given a delightful new look by bestselling Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler. Scheffler's cats are cuddly creatures with expressive eyes through which the cats convey the hilarity and nonsense of T S Eliot's verses. (Julia Eccleshare Lovereading.co.uk )
A lovely edition of an old favourite ... it will be enjoyed again and again. (Carousel 20110311)
This beautifully produced book should be introduced to every child and ought to be in every classroom for children to discover.' (Scholastic: Read Me 20110419) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Having just received my first copy of this from Amazon I am now ordering further copies to give as presents to all my nieces and nephews - I may even try and persuade my own youngest children that they are not too old to be read too! The poems themselves are of course classics but Axel Scheffler's beautiful (and funny) illustrations are what will make children treasure this book and demand that it be read and re-read. If you are still in the habit of reading to your children then I urge you to treat yourself and them with this lovely book. You will not regret it.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By rp
Format:Hardcover
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a superb book of light verse. Some of the language might be a little difficult for young children (though it's always good to learn new words), but your kids are certain to warm to such a disreputable bunch of street-cats! Adults too will enjoy the skill and wit of Eliot's rhymes. Personal, I'm a big fan of the poet and I rate this collection alongside The Wasteland and The Love song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
Of all the editions available I think this is the one to own. Edward Gorey's illustrations are very funny (particularly his illustration of 'Firefrorefiddle the Fiend of the Fell!'). If you don't get this one, then the Faber pocket series with the cat painting on the cover is also very nice (that one contains the original illustrations, which are quite sweet).
Of all the editions available I think this is the one to own. Edward Gorey's illustrations are very funny (particularly his illustration of 'Firefrorefiddle the Fiend of the Fell!'). If you don't get this one, then the Faber pocket series with the cat painting on the cover is also very nice (that one contains the original illustrations, which are quite sweet).
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I remember these poems from my own childhood, and loved Bentley's pictures but my children have grown up with Axel Scheffler's Gruffalo and other Julia Donaldson titles and so were attracted immediately to this book by the familiar illustrations and with good reason. And what a wonderful selection of poems we they found inside, accompanied by Scheffler's depictions of the different cats in his easy-going and good-humoured style. T S Eliot's verse is rich with rhythm and rhyme and language that reminds you of a bygone era, and yet the Cats with their many temperaments remain bright, fun and appealing three generations later and it's no wonder that this strong collection sparked a musical that endures equally well. A treasure that no child's bookshelf should be without, and a brilliant gift for a cat-lover of any age.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Just seen this book in town and rushed home to buy it (at almost half the price!) My grandchildren love all the books they have with Axel Scheffler illustrations - The Gruffalo, Stick Man etc.- and I know this will be a great favourite. Can't wait to read it with them!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Stamford
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Chosing to have this book illustrated by Grufallo artist Axel Scheffler is a masterstroke, and the verse shows how much of a debt long-time Scheffler collaborator Julia Donaldson holds to TS Eliot.
Am must for all Eliot, Donaldson/Scheffler and cat fans.
Am must for all Eliot, Donaldson/Scheffler and cat fans.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By WHTARA
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am speaking as a retired bookseller..... Anyone who has seen the musical "Cats" will already know the cats in this quite sweet book. It is often thought of as a book for children and when you see a child getting tucked into bed or curling up on your knee and begging for a "cat poem" you'll see why children love it so much. They want to see the pictures too so get one of the illustrated versions - dead cheap through Amazon.
But it is not just for children. I often keep my current favourite book near the loo for occasional inspiration. And "Possum" is often to be found on the floor near my loo. Do yourself (and every child you know) a favour and get this book. A few years ago I bought over 30 copies and (having annotated them) sent them out in lieu of Christmas cards.
But it is not just for children. I often keep my current favourite book near the loo for occasional inspiration. And "Possum" is often to be found on the floor near my loo. Do yourself (and every child you know) a favour and get this book. A few years ago I bought over 30 copies and (having annotated them) sent them out in lieu of Christmas cards.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
We used to own the same performance on a cassette tape, but it disappeared. I looked everywhere I could think and was so relieved that I could order it on cd from you. It arrived very quickly and was in perfect condition.
We have been enjoying it so much. It is delightful and brings back great memories. John Gielgud and Irene Worth are magnificent.
We have been enjoying it so much. It is delightful and brings back great memories. John Gielgud and Irene Worth are magnificent.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By SuperWomen
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Remembered from school days, brought back many fond memories, enjoyed the poems even more now than in my school days. Liked the black and white illustrations, they add to the humourous note. Funny and gently wicked antics of these memorable cats. A real joy!!!
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4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice
Easy for young children to read. I prefer Nicholas Bentley's illustrations. The verses stand up to the passage of time well.
Published 1 day ago by Patrick Dobbs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meeowwww
The book arrived very quickly which was great because I wanted to read the poems again before going to the musical currently on tour. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Adam J.
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit flimsey!
A bit flimsey so wouldn't recommend for young children but, hey! You get what you pay for. It was fine for me as I wanted 3 copies to give to my friends as a momentum of a trip to... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Scooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely Book
I bought the book because i booked the show cats. My 7 year old son enjoyed the book, especially maccivity depravity, the show cats was not a patch on the book. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jason
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cat's are people too
I woud recommend it to any parent it is a great way of teaching kids about the different types of people in the community.
Published 1 month ago by kjhblue
5.0 out of 5 stars
Old Possum's book of Practical Cats
After seeing the musical 'Cats' I was particularly interested in the words. I got the book out of the library but wanted my own copy. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sheina Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cats
How come I never read this before! Brilliant poetry and describes what you've seen on stage. Now must go and see the show again to pick up the finer points I will have missed by... Read more
Published 1 month ago by David L Divers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely book
Really loved this book and I think my nieces and nephews will enjoy it too, the illustrations are wonderful! Worth getting for a cat lover.
Published 2 months ago by Lois Wagstaff
5.0 out of 5 stars
great service
arrived well packaged within a couple of days:the book is even better than I expected: the cover is really brilliant and I was pleased to find that the text is just the right size... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Susie Q
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good edition
I was given this for Christmas! The poems are witty and fun to read, especially out loud to grandchildren. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Carole
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