Review: The Elegance of the Cat by Tamsin Pickeral and Astrid Harrisson

Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys

Stunning. Spectacular. Striking. Those are only a few of the words I’d use to describe The Elegance of the Cat. The photos alone are absolutely incredible, and capture cats in their multi-faceted beauty.

The combination of award winning photographer Astrid Harrisson’s photos and a richly detailed narrative by animal writer Tamsin Pickeral make this a treasure for every cat lover. The book traces cats’ history from the days when they were worshipped as gods in Egypt to the present time. It explores the roles of cats in different cultures, the stories behind more than 50 feline breeds, and more.

This is one of the most comprehensive cat “encyclopedias” I’ve seen, and it’s filled with fascinating facts. But it’s the photos that really make this book special. Harrisson’s photos capture the unique qualities of each breed, and remind the reader with each photo of the unique and beautiful creatures cats are.

This book makes a treasured gift for any cat lover.

Tamsin Pickeral is an art historian and animal expert who also has many years of experience as a veterinary nurse. She is a widely published author of books on animal themes. Astrid Harrisson is a widely traveled photographer and graphic designer who specializes in animal photography.

Photos provided by Barron’s Educational Series Publishing, used with permission.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

About the author

Ingrid King

Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.