ELIOT, T.S. "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" [Harcourt, 1982] Signed by Edward Gorey

ELIOT, T.S. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

San Diego: Harcourt, Brace, and Company, 1982. Illustrated by Edward Gorey. Later printing. 8.25" x 6", 56pp. Hardcover in original dust jacket, white cloth spine over paper-covered boards with bronze cat design. Signed by Gorey on a bookplate affixed to FFEP. Jacket with three edge tears and some minor rubbing. Book is pristine. Near Fine in Good jacket.

This is a whimsical collection of light verse introducing a variety of eccentric feline characters. Written originally as playful poems for Eliot’s godchildren, the book departs from his more serious modernist work and showcases his wit and humor. It later became the basis for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit Broadway musical Cats, one of the most successful stage productions of all time.