Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats
📘 About This Book
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939) is a collection of whimsical light poems by T. S. Eliot about feline psychology and sociology, published by Faber and Faber. It serves as the basis for Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1981 musical Cats. Eliot wrote the poems in the 1930s and included them, under his assumed name "Old Possum", in letters to his godchildren. They were collected and published in 1939, with cover illustrations by the author, and quickly re-published in 1940, illustrated in full by Nicolas Bentley. They have also been published in versions illustrated by Edward Gorey (1982), Axel Scheffler (2009) and Rebecca Ashdown (2014).
📖 Summary
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a delightful collection of whimsical light poetry penned by the esteemed literary figure T. S. Eliot during the 1930s. Originally written as playful verse in letters to his godchildren under the assumed persona of Old Possum, these charming poems explore the fascinating realms of feline psychology and sociology. Readers are introduced to a menagerie of distinct, memorable feline characters, each possessing their own unique quirks, social standings, and mysterious personalities that mirror human society in a lighthearted, satirical way. The collection was first published in book form by Faber and Faber in 1939, featuring original cover illustrations crafted by the author himself, before being re-published the following year with full illustrations by Nicolas Bentley. Over the decades, the enduring appeal of Eliot's verse has inspired several new artistic interpretations, leading to beautifully illustrated versions by renowned artists such as Edward Gorey in 1982, Axel Scheffler in 2009, and Rebecca Ashdown in 2014. Beyond its life as a standalone poetry book, this work achieved monumental global fame as the primary source material and creative foundation for Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster 1981 theatrical musical, Cats. Across its concise page count, the collection invites readers of all ages into a playful world where cats rule the night, gather for grand social events, and display surprisingly complex social structures. Through clever rhythm, inventive naming conventions, and brilliant wordplay, Eliot successfully steps away from his heavier modernist literary works to embrace pure, unadulterated whimsy. The resulting text remains a beloved classic of light verse, capturing the timeless fascination humans hold for their enigmatic feline companions and cementing its place in both literary and musical history.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Delightful and whimsical light poetry by a master writer
Engaging exploration of feline psychology and sociology
Enhanced over the years by wonderful illustrations from various artists
Served as the creative foundation for a legendary stage musical
⚠️ Cons
Very brief page count leaves readers wanting more
Light verse style is a major departure from Eliot's heavier modernist works
✍️ About the Author
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) was a British-American poet and Nobel Prize laureate best known for 'The Waste Land', a landmark of modernist poetry.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats? +
The book was written by T. S. Eliot under the assumed name Old Possum.
When was the book originally published? +
It was originally published in 1939 by Faber and Faber.
What famous musical is based on this book? +
Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1981 musical Cats is based on this collection.
Who provided illustrations for the book over the years? +
Illustrators have included T. S. Eliot, Nicolas Bentley, Edward Gorey, Axel Scheffler, and Rebecca Ashdown.
What is the primary theme of the poems? +
The poems explore feline psychology, sociology, and whimsical cat behavior.
