Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #51250 in Books
• Published on: 1982-08-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 64 pages

From Library Journal
This is an absolutely marvelous rendition of Eliot's poetic classic, written for his godchildren and friends in the 1930s, which inspired the Broadway musical Cats. The tales of Mr. Mistoffelees the trickmaster, old Deuteronomy, a laid-back cat, Rum Tum Tugger, a contrary cat, and Macavity, the famous master criminal, are dramatized by Richard Briers, Alan Cumming, Nigel Davenport, Andrew Sachs, and Juliet Stevenson. Unfortunately, some material is repeated on the cassette's second side. Moreover, it comes with another tape that consists of excerpts of forthcoming Penguin audiobooks. This edition seems targeted more toward consumers than libraries.?James Dudley, Copiague, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
The inspiration for the Broadway hit Cats, this collection of free-verse poems--very British and somewhat dated--describes the exploits and foibles of such felines as contrary and difficult Rum Tum Tugger and laid-back Old Deuteronomy. In this delightful rendering by a British cast, each voice seems to fit the cat's character, like Richard Briers's gruff Growltiger. Most poems are the work of individual readers, but the occasional duets and choral renderings are effective. Unfortunately, in a couple of spots Eliot uses racist terms. Liner notes include a list of the poems and their readers. P.B.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) recast 20th century English poetry with a whole new vocabulary of technique, giving voice to a bold, vibrantly original Modernist style.  In addition to his poetry, his body of work includes many landmark critical essays, as well as plays such as The Cocktail Party and Murder in the Cathedral.  In 1948, he received the Nobel Prize for Literature

Customer Reviews

Excellent product
My grandson is participating in a rendition of 'Cats' at his elementary school and I wanted the book to show him how productions like 'Cats' are based on literature. In this case he was thrilled to be able to read the original poems and then see how they are staged for an audience. The product was delivered in perfect condition in a very timely manner. I would recommend this to anyone.

"Cats" lovers delight!
This is a must have for anyone who loves the broadway musical "Cats". Totally delightful!

It's about cats, cats, and more Cats.
I had read this book before and loved it, but when I met Boris, a real, live version of Rum Tum Tugger, I had to buy a copy to show his owner.
It is amazing how little had to be done to turn these poems into a great musical comedy. I am, of course, talking about Cats. Most of the poems went directly into the show without any change whatever in their wording, and only three songs were added. Let's give full credit to Mr. Webber, It took a musical genius to do that, and one of the added songs, Memories, could stand alone as a masterpiece in any company, but most of the delight of the show comes from the wonderful feline characters created in this book.
Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Gus the theatre cat, Spindleshanks, Bustipher Brown, McCavity, Mr. Mistofflees, Mungo Jerry, and Rumpleteaser all moved effortlessly from page to stage with no changes. That has to be some sort of record. If you loved Cats (the show) you need to read this book. If you love cats (the critters) you'll want to read this book. If you like poetry, you should read this book. If you like dogs, read the battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles. (You can skip over the part about the intervention of the great rumpus cat.)
It was written for his godchildren, but it's a great read for everyone. It's not expensive, so get it to read to your children, but read it for yourself first.