The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781978800229)

Winner of the 2019 Certificate of Excellence and MUSE Medallion from the Cat Writers Association

The nineteenth century was a rough time to be a stray cat in New York City. The city's human residents dealt with feline overpopulation by gassing unwanted cats or tossing them in rivers. But a few lucky strays were found by a diverse array of men--including firemen, cops, athletes, and politicians--who rescued them from the streets and welcomed them into their homes and hearts.

This book tells the stories of these heroic cat men of Gotham and their beloved feline companions. Not only does it introduce us to some remarkable men, but we get to meet many extraordinary cats as well, from Chinese stowaways prowling the Chelsea Piers to the sole feline survivor of the USS Maine explosion. Among the forty-two profiles, we find many feline Cinderella stories, as humble alley cats achieved renown as sports team mascots, artists' muses, and even presidential pets.

Sure to appeal to cat fanciers and history fans alike, The Cat Men of Gotham will give you a new appreciation for Old New York and the people and animals who made it their home. As it takes you on a journey through the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn, it will amuse and astound you with tales of powerful men and their pussycats.

Author: Peggy Gavan
ISBN-10: 1978800223
ISBN-13: 9781978800229
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/03/2019
Pages: 254
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.90w x 1.30d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/01/2019 pg. 20
Foreword 04/26/2019