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From grinning like a Cheshire cat to raining cats and dogs, 55 popular phrases capture the charm, quirk, and history of the incomparable cat—and the English language
Cats have a curious way of sneaking into our lives—and our lexicon. It all started 11,000 years ago: Early farmers had a mouse problem, and local wildcats were happy to oblige. They got the cream, and the rest was history!
Philippa Sandall explores all in The Colloquial Cat: Why do we say the cat’s pajamas, and who was the first cat burglar? She finds purring in Shakespeare, caterwauling in Chaucer, and scaredy-cat in Dorothy Parker. Amid these etymological gems, we meet cat lovers throughout the ages: Emperor Uda of Japan, poet Christopher Smart, and an unknown ninth-century monk—all inspired to immortalize their beloved cat companions in writing.
“The Factual Cat” adds scientific insight throughout, from the source of cats’ amazing nighttime vision to their unrivaled prowess as hunters. Rich in feline fable and lore, The Colloquial Cat is sure to delight “cat people” and word lovers alike!
“Do yourself a favor and get this fascinating book about all the expressions we so often use that concern cats. I learned so much—from why we call someone a ‘cat burglar’ to the origins of caterwauling, fat cats, and being a cat’s-paw. Delightful illustrations, amusing anecdotes, and excellent research into linguistic oddities all make this a wonderful read.”—Susannah Fullerton, OAM, FRSN, author of Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them
“What a gorgeous, glorious book. You’ll consider giving it as a gift to a fellow cat lover, but once you delve into the charm of its illustrations and wordplay, you won’t be willing to give it up!”—Tracie Hotchner, author of The Cat Bible and host/producer of the online podcast Cat Chat and NPR’s Dog Talk (and Kitties, Too!)
“Philippa Sandall’s charming book is better than the internet, or at least that substantial portion of it devoted to cat memes. The Colloquial Cat is filled with painstakingly researched facts and eye-catching illustrations—who knew that the saying ‘A cat may look at a king’ dates back to the 1500s? . . . An enchanting volume to keep handy whenever the urge strikes to learn a new cat fact.”—Marlene Zuk, author of Outsider Animals and Paleofantasy
“Praise for Seafurrers
"It’s a purrfect read for lovers of cats, ships and history in general.”—Catster Magazine
“Reveals the little-known history of cats as beloved—and surprisingly essential—shipmates of the old high seas. A purrfectly heartwarming tail indeed!”—David F. Winkler, PhD, Naval Historical Foundation
“Funny, furry, and fascinating! With a lovely balance between parody and earnest maritime history, Sandall has chosen priceless historic photographs, infused deep and wide-ranging research, and spun a ball of spellbinding and hilarious sea yarns.”—Richard J. King, author of Lobster and The Devil’s Cormorant and columnist for Sea History magazine
