‘A cat, they say, has nine lives. Poovaya-Smith’s forty-five poems give them many more.’ Shrabani Basu, Writer, historian and journalist, Author, Victoria and Abdul
THE WILD CATS’ COMPENDIUM: The more you explore them, the more enigmatic they become.
The reed or jungle cat who once dined with the crown prince of a Pharoah. On the premature death of the crown prince, the cat is interred with him. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
A stone age wild cat discovered in 2004 in a burial site with its owner (gender unknown). They lived and died together, nearly 10,000 years ago in Shillourokambos in the then cat-free island of Cyprus.
An ocelot gifted to Salvador Dali who lavishes luxurious human treats on him. The ocelot tries to run away. More than once. Unsuccessfully.
The dainty, petite, sand cat living in the Arabian desert. One of its deadly playthings - the desert horned viper – for batting and killing.
The smallest feline in Southern Africa – the black-footed cat - eating almost a fifth of its body weight night after night.
The mighty tiger can be less than the sum of its parts. Every part of this patrician beast is used as talisman or remedy – even its eyes and faeces.
Wild cats arouse - love, fear, fascination, dread. The closer we get to them, the more their ranks diminish.
Comments on The Wild Cats’ Compendium
'The Compendium takes the reader on a journey around the world and through time, to discover cats of all types and in many different places. Along the way, she conjures up a vivid image of Dali with his ocelot and offers a rather chilling recipe for ‘tiger bone wine.’ The references to fables and ancient texts are a reminder of how our relationship with the feline world has deep historical roots. A pleasurable armchair expedition for cat lovers everywhere.' Ritula Shah, Journalist and broadcaster
'It’s a fantastic collection and I've really enjoyed reading it. It captures the essence of the many species brilliantly and highlights the many threats they face.' The Hon. Benjamin George Lascelles, Environmentalist and Managing Director, Harewood Estate
'Nima Poovaya-Smith takes us into the myth and magic of the cat world. Through her beautiful poems, we get a glimpse into their lives as pampered pets or solitary creatures. She questions, probes, and enlightens us, not just about the tiger or the lion, but also about some of the lesser-known species of the cat family.' Shrabani Basu, Writer, historian and journalist, Author, Victoria and Abdul