In an endearing and amusing photographic account of cats, Jules Farber, with the help of passionate photography curators the world over, has assembled a stunning collection. It comprises the works of early photographers such as Fйlix Nadar, a pioneer of avant-garde photography, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, and the inimitable Man Ray. It also features contemporary shutterbugs such as Robert Capa of Magnum, Willy Ronis of Rapho, celebrity portraitist Philippe Halsman, and Edward Steichen. Alongside photographs by such world-renowned photographers are unexpected photographic treasures from artist Pierre Bonnard, author Victor Hugo's son Charles. The images, which reflect a variety of styles, share one theme: cats. The book is divided into five chapters. "At Home" portrays cats engaged in domestic activities, from turning somersaults on chairs to sleeping in kitchen pots and lounging with nudes. "In the City" finds cats roaming and cavorting around the countless and often surprising urban locales. "In the Streets" features cats caught in the arms of a fat little boy or snuggled deep within the folds of a bag lady's carriage. "In the Country" encounters cats enjoying dairy-fresh milk, napping beside contented owners, and peaking the curiosity of their animal counterparts, and the rambunctious "At Play" uncovers cats in such mischievous undertakings as pushing a dog on a hobby horse and trying a hand (paw?) at the piano. Cat lovers and photography enthusiasts alike will revel in this light-hearted and beautifully produced volume.
