People have been fascinated by cats for centuries. From the ancient Egyptians, all the way down to today's cat lovers throughout the world, cats have held a special place in people's lives. Cats are unique creatures. It shouldn't be surprising that they have captured the imaginations of many of the world's greatest authors and artists.This book contains 229 illustrations selected from the world's best cat art by 49 great artists, and explores stories, poetry, essays and quotations on cats by 36 of the most acclaimed and classic writers.From Beatrix Potter to Louisa May Alcott to Teddy Roosevelt, this eclectic collection features writings about cats by such great masters as Dickens, Kipling, Chekhov, Poe, Lovecraft, Keats, Shelley, Yeats, Whittier, Audubon, Muir, Thoreau, and Mark Twain, accompanied by fine art museum pieces by Renoir, da Vinci, van Gogh, Rousseau, Hiroshige, Goya, Gauguin, and many others.Kitty Literature is perfect for anyone who lives with one or more cats. It will also make an excellent gift book.(306 pages, 229 illustrations)