On Publication Day For Mr Pussy
Please join me at 6:30pm on Monday 1st October to launch THE LIFE & TIMES OF MR PUSSY, A Memoir of a Favourite Cat at Britain’s oldest bookshop, Hatchards in Piccadilly, where I will be reading stories from the book and signing copies. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Click here to order a signed copy for £15
In his sixteen years, my old cat Mr Pussy only gave one interview. So what could be a more appropriate post on his publication day?
Name?
Mr Pussy
Nicknames?
They call me ‘Rosemary’ as a tease sometimes – it is the name my first owner gave me as a kitten when she thought I was a girl. Hence the gender confusion.
Theme Tune?
Maybe it’s Because I’m a Londoner…
Age?
Twelve
Owners?
My first owner was a kind old lady who loved gardening and taught me to love plants, but since her demise I live with the next generation.
Brief biography?
Born on the street in Mile End, then a wild five years in Devon catching rabbits and moorhens, but now back in the East End for good.
Catchphrase?
In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London.
Favourite Habits?
Perching on a window sill and looking down imperiously. Licking up fresh running water in the sink. Sitting in patches of sunlight and on paper bags.
What constitutes a perfect evening for you?
Stretched out before the iron stove in an insensible stupor of warmth.
Favourite food?
I am partial to licking chicken liver pate off a finger.
Defining moment of your life?
The death of my mistress. I search for her every day and still live by the routine that I established with her. I have not given up hope she might come back if I wait long enough. Like Hamlet, I wear my black coat in eternal mourning.
If you could do one thing to make the world a better place for felines what would it be?
Tell everyone to sit still.
If you could meet a celebrity who would it be and why?
William Shakespeare, because we share an instinctive appreciation of the lonely poetry of the night.
Here follows a selection of Mr Pussy’s photography
Interesting street art on Brick Lane
Masterpiece by Banksy
The cat that wrote the dictionary
Attractive public sculpture in Bloomsbury
Good luck for your publication day and may these wonderful stories about a much loved cat find the vast readership they deserve. Looking forward to receiving my copy soon – will hugely enjoy it. Paddy
Can’t wait to receive mine!
I am really looking forward to receiving my copy!
Hopefully, I will be able to make it on the 1st, it will be a great success.
What a fabulous place for the launch. Very best of luck and Mr Pussy’s outlook on life was one we could all do with considering.
Have a great day: looking forward to receiving my copy.
Have ordered a copy to enjoy your fine writing again as well as your memories of Mr Pussy
There is , as you write, a public sculpture in Bloomsbury, but Humphrey. the cat, was originally located in a different place. He lived at the Mary Ward adult education centre nearby Queen Square. He was sculpted by Marcia Solway who attended the sculpture classes and also the nearby National Hospital. She died in the same year as Humphrey, 1992.
Humphrey was first erected with the approval of the trustees of Queen Square and was unveiled by the mayor of Camden in 1997. However, the trustees apparently changed their minds since Humphrey was erected facing the statue of Queen Charlotte. Humphrey was therefore removed and replaced by a conventional sculpture of ‘ Mother and Child’.
Thus Humphrey was then taken to the Alf Barrett playground in nearby Old Gloucester Street and thereby unveiled by the former mayor of Camden in 2003.
As I have written elsewhere there are many animal sculptures in London but, too often they are ignored. At least Hodge was created by Jon Buckley in 1997 more than 200 years after his home alongside Dr Johnson. No wonder Dr Johnson called him ‘ a very fine cat, a very fine cat indeed.’!
Looking forward to reacquainting myself with the wonderful Mr Pussy. As a long term fan it will provide a lasting reminder of a special feline companion. Thanks TGA!
Looks like a beautiful book – congratulations.
– And where exactly in Bloomsbury is the sculpture of Humphry?
What a handsome cat
Congratulation! Wish I could be there.
Wishing the launch and the book every success! Looking forward to receiving my pre ordered copy soon. My Pussy immortalised forever!
Looking so forward to receiving my copy in Chicago!! Best of luck tonight I wish I could be there!
Wish we could be there – looking forward to receiving our copy in the mai
Congratulations and good luck … a copy is on a way to a relative for her birthday next week – I’m sure they’ll enjoy the stories … Mr Pussy was special … cheers and all the best – Hilary
Looking forward to my copy. Good luck with the launch.
A good luck message from Potty – “aaaaaaa!” “aaaaaaa!” “aaaaaaa!” “aaaaaaa!” “aaaaaaa!”
My copy has just arrived. What a beautiful presented little book. I look forward to curling up on this wet day on Exmoor and reading.
Can’t wait to receive my copy through the mail, ordered months ago. Wish I could be in London to attend a signing in Hatchards. If Jane Austen had done readings, that’s probably where hers would have been.
Best of luck for your book’s soirée.
Delighted with the book, a lovely publication.Dear Mr Pussy, wish I could join you for the book launch.