The life and love of cats

Beginning with the question, "What does the cat think of us?," writer and photographer Blackwell (The Life & Love of Trees) examines the special connection humans have with cats of every pedigree, shape, and size. Over the course of nine chapters (get it?), he illustrates how our relationship with cats has had implications far beyond the immediately obvious. To wit: the perceived correlation between cats and witchcraft led to a steep decline in feline populations during the Middle Ages, which in turn allowed rats to flourish, thereby facilitating the rapid spread of the Black Death. But as good as Blackwell's text is (and it's quite good-an approachable, informative, and appreciative study of cats of all breeds), the true appeal of the book is the stunning images. Blackwell's beautifully composed portraits of Abyssinians, Bengal tigers, sphynxes, Persians, and more, as well as his close-ups of paws, eyes, tongues, and whiskers are stunning. Blackwell covers everything from napping kitties to the majestic black panther and the noble white tiger, but this is more than a bound calendar. Any cat lover (or fan of photography) will thoroughly appreciate this thoughtful and creative large-format volume.117 color photos. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.