The relationships between much-loved writers and their cats are explored in this fun book.

Throughout history, cats and writers have bonded together in a magical combination of comfort, companionship and inspiration. The famous authors featured here range from Samuel Johnson, whose cat Hodge dined on oysters, and Edward Lear, whose charismatic cat Foss was missing half his tail, to Margaret Mitchell, L. M. Montgomery and Dorothy L. Sayers, who rescued her kitten Blitz from a bombsite. Each chapter delves into the relationship between authors and the felines who condescended to share their homes and desks, revealing intriguing aspects of our much-loved writers' lives and celebrating the ways in which cats pure-bred and moggy, large and small, graceful and eccentric enriched the world of literature.

Including fun additional features on cats in bookshops, libraries and hotels, and illustrated with charming line drawings, this is a perfect gift for cat-lovers everywhere.

Details

ISBN13: 9781851246540
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 280
Edition:
Publication Date: 15 Oct 2025
Publisher: Bodleian Library
Publication City, Country: United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 19.8(H)x12.9(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Susannah Fullerton is an author, literary lecturer and leader of popular literary tours around the world.

Reviews

This witty, richly anecdotal book will show you how cats have consoled and inspired literary figures down the centuries. Indeed, it will convince you that to know a writer’s relationship with their cat is to know the writer a little better.

-- John Mullan, Professor of English at University College London

Utterly delightful! This is the perfect book for bibliophiles and lovers of cats alike, revealing how crucial cats have been to the creation of many of the world’s most beloved books.

 

-- Kate Forsyth

A true feline delight, with an array of memorable cats, domestic, difficult and theatrical, all displaying what Boswell called their “contemptuous knowledge” – and an illuminating, off-beat exploration of writer’s lives, through their shifting relationships with the animals they loved.

-- -Jenny Uglow (author of prize-winning biographies and cultural histories)

A wonderful collection that celebrates the special relationship between writers and their cats. Do read it – with your cat, if possible.

-- Elly Griffiths

Great Writers & the Cats Who Owned Them is a sweet and enlightening biographical collection...Charming drawings of the cats’ antics are included.

-- JEFF FLEISCHER

Witty anecdotes, biographical details, an abundance of cats, and the occasional ink drawing make for a charming read. After all, aren’t we all just visitors in the worlds our pets inhabit?

-- The Editors * The Critic’s Notebook *

For me, the supreme achievement of this book lies in the lightness with which the author wears her erudition. Susannah Fullerton manages to combine her passion for cats and her encyclopaedic literary scholarship effortlessly in her discussion of authors who have found the companionship of a cat to be ‘a relief, a comfort and an inspiration.

-- Dr Ruth Wilson

I had a marvellous time reading this seriously delightful book... Cat lovers, I suggest you treat yourselves by following my example.

-- Carmel Bird * The Sydney Morning Herald *

Susannah Fullerton tells the enchanting stories of seventeen great authors, and the cats captured their hearts. A terrific Christmas gift for literary cat lovers.

-- Jeff Popple * Book Talk *

I mean it as the highest praise when I say that no guest bedroom or downstairs loo would fail to benefit from
this Jellicle Ball of literary cats.

-- Oliver Soden * Companionable Wilderness *