Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a collection of light verse written by T.S. Eliot in the 1930s, featuring a series of poems about the nature and behavior of cats. The poems were originally written for Eliot's godchildren under his pen name "Old Possum" before being published as a collection in 1939. Each poem in the collection introduces distinct feline characters with unique personalities, habits, and adventures, presented through rhythmic verse and playful language. The collection served as the inspiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical "Cats," which premiered in 1981. The book has been published in multiple editions featuring illustrations by various artists, including Nicolas Bentley, Edward Gorey, and Axel Scheffler, each bringing their own visual interpretation to Eliot's cat portraits. Beyond its surface charm, the collection explores themes of identity, social behavior, and the intersection of order and mischief, all while maintaining accessibility for readers of various ages.

Readers appreciate Eliot's playful verses about cats and their distinct personalities. Many note the poems work well read aloud to children, with memorable rhymes and rhythmic language. Reviews highlight the humor and whimsy, with one reader calling it "a perfect bedtime book that both adults and kids can enjoy." Common praise focuses on: - The distinct personality given to each cat - Edward Gorey's illustrations (in some editions) - The musicality and rhythm of the verses Main criticisms: - Some find it repetitive - A few poems drag on too long - Cultural references can be dated/unclear Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (42,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,000+ ratings) Multiple readers mention discovering the book through the musical "Cats." One reviewer notes: "Even if you don't like the musical, these poems stand on their own as clever character studies." Several teachers report success using the poems to introduce poetry to young students.

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🐱 The book was adapted into the musical "Cats" by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1981, which became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, playing for 21 years. 🖋️ T.S. Eliot wrote these poems in letters to his godchildren throughout the 1930s, publishing them as a collection only after friends and family insisted they deserved a wider audience. 🎨 The first edition of the book, published in 1939, featured charming illustrations by Nicolas Bentley, though later editions have included artwork by other notable illustrators, including Edward Gorey. 📚 Despite being known primarily for serious modernist works like "The Waste Land," Eliot was a devoted cat lover who owned many cats throughout his life and gave them elaborate names like "George Pushdragon" and "Pettipaws." 🎭 The character of "Old Possum" in the title refers to Eliot's own nickname, given to him by his friend Ezra Pound, and reflects the playful persona he adopted when writing these verses.