Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot
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Book Reviews of Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
Book Review: a wonderful collection
Summary: 5 Stars
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a volume of children's poetry first published in 1939. Eliot initially wrote the poems for his god-children, but this is no simplistic children's literature. T.S. Eliot was a master of his craft. The poems are simple stories about a variety of cats, each with a distinct personality and behaviors. The poems have a rhythm all their own and it matches the personality of the cat being described. While a poem about Bustopher Jones has an arch, airy tone, the poem about Skimbleshanks speeds along like the train he is on. This is an absolutely delightful collection. It wasn't until recently, when I saw the musical for the first time, that I learned that this collection was the basis for the musical: Cats. Not only did the musical bring to life the cats described by Mr. Eliot, but I was surprised by just how many songs in the show took the lyrics directly from Eliot's poems. That is a mark of a great collection of poems: that when they are lifted into song, those poems can make a great musical with few changes. Whether you like poetry, or not, I would recommend this collection. I do not read a lot of poetry, but I loved this collection. Whether you like cats, or not, I would still recommend this book. The way Eliot tells about the cats, you would almost swear they were real people and not just an animal.
Book Review: Ryming Poetry Rules!
Summary: 5 Stars
T.S. Eliot proves with Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats that the rhyming poem is just as valid as free verse. Why some people continue to regard the rhyming poem as the lower form of poetic expression, or as something strictly for the little ones, is beyond me (perhaps it's due in part to the fact that TV advertisers abuse this art form on a regular basis, cheapening it with their cringe-inducing jingles). But whatever the case, these detractors have either never read, or (hard as it is to believe) forgot the magnificent rhyming poetry contained in T.S. Eliot's slim yet thoroughly satisfying masterpiece. The illustrations included in this edition are by Ed Gorey, and they complement Eliot's poetry beautifully. This is a great book. Highly recommended!
I also recommend Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland, which like Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, is a collection of brilliant rhyming poetry. As the title suggests, this book contains 'the lost rhymes' of Wonderland, 19 full-length poems that replicate the style of Lewis Carroll so cannily you'd almost swear the legend of the lost rhymes is true. This one may be the most serious contribution to rhyming poetry since Eliot penned his classic ode to cats.
Book Review: The naming of cats is a difficult matter...
Summary: 5 Stars
Two of the most dour staid artists of their day have come together to bring you a work of absolute perfection. T.S. Eliot is well known as the author of, "The Wasteland" and other books of that ilk. So it is undoubtedly odd that he should have decided to write this book, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats". Likewise, the somber (though infinitely amusing) Edward Gorey is often attributed with dark Victorian scenes of murder and amusing death. Here he has laid aside his more macabre inclinations and produced a series of pictures featuring roly-poly kitties in all sorts of interesting arrangements. The combination is inspired. If you have ever seen the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Cats" then I pity you. You will find yourself unable to read a single one of these poems without the accompanying music jangling in your head. If, however, you don't find this a flaw, then by all means read this book. The poems are nothing if not charming. Where else will you find poetry suitable for children that contains words like, "succulent", "quorum", and "physiognomy"? And as for Gorey, his pen is without equal. The book is delightful, and kids (especially those who've actually seen "Cats") will like it very much.Book Review: Feline fun with a master poet
Summary: 5 Stars
"Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," by T.S. Eliot, is a book of poems about cats. The basis for the wildly successful musical "Cats," the book stands on its own as a delightful work of literature. The poems are accompanied by wonderful illustrations by Edward Gorey.This book is hilarious and very enjoyable. Eliot's words leap and dance across the pages with a zany musicality. Gorey's accompanying artwork is whimsical and full of interesting details. Eliot has created some great feline characters: the fearsome Growltiger, dapper Bustopher Jones, Magical Mr. Mistoffelees, and more.
Yes, these poems are great fun to read. But if you are inclined to look closer and analyze them at a deeper literary level, you will find that each one is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship. Eliot uses a wonderful variety of meters, rhyme schemes, and various poetic effects. Each poem stands on its own, and together they form an effective artistic unity.
Also noteworthy is the very "English" flavor of the book, which Eliot achieves by spicing his poems with many references to English geography and cultural history. Highly recommended, whether or not you like cats.
Book Review: A Terriffic Find
Summary: 5 Stars
Of the many cat related books i have stumbled accross in my lifetime, i have never encountered one so brilliantly written as this one. Perhaps it is because it was written by T.S. Elliot, or maybe because of its equally intelligent and amusing pictures - drawn by the ever brilliant and dreary Edward Gorey - that this book is ultimately the pride and glory of my shelf. Even as a college student, living off of the most meager of neccessities, would i recommend this book as a definite buy. And this is coming from someone who is often too stingy to buy kleenex. For a scant $15 you can enjoy the cat related, heart warming, truthfull and hysterical lyrics of Elliot, in the slim and good looking orange edition jacket, forever and always. One of the best purchases of the decade.