Backlist Love is an informal series on “older” books that I hope you’ll find interesting. These aren’t so much reviews as quickie recommendations, so check out your favorite book review sources if you want more info.
The personality of the cat ed. by Brandt Aymar (Gramercy, 1964)
All fans of felines will find immense pleasure in perusing this rich anthology of stories, essays, and poems about cats. Here every facet of a cat’s personality is explored by such noted authors as Rudyard Kipling, Colette, Lewis Carroll, Thomas Gray, and T.S. Eliot. Complementing these delightful sketches of a cat’s life are illustrations from the works of such famous artists as Picasso, Goya, and Manet.
The personality of the dog ed. by Brandt Aymar (Gramercy, 1964)
Dog owners, dog lovers — even mail carriers — will find immense satisfaction in this splendid collection of tales, true stories and poems about our canine companions. Explore every facet of the dog’s personality — from its good nature and humor to its valor and loyalty. The tales are illustrated with an intriguing collection of paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec, Rosa Bonheur, Winslow Homer, Delacroix, Tamayo, Sir Edwin Lanseer, and other fine artists.
Why I liked them
Both of these books are really curated collections of stories + artworks featuring cats and dogs, respectively. They’re the kind of books I think of as hot chocolate for the brain — sweet, snug little snacks, basically.
Who I’d recommend them to
These story collections are both great choices for animal lovers who are looking for the kind of cozy, heartwarming book you can curl up with for a relaxing evening. . . with cat or dog on lap, naturally.
I think both volumes are out of print now, but if you happen to come across them at a used bookshop, they’re well worth picking up.
Links