From Library Journal
This is an absolutely marvelous rendition of Eliot's poetic classic, written for his godchildren and friends in the 1930s, which inspired the Broadway musical Cats. The tales of Mr. Mistoffelees the trickmaster, old Deuteronomy, a laid-back cat, Rum Tum Tugger, a contrary cat, and Macavity, the famous master criminal, are dramatized by Richard Briers, Alan Cumming, Nigel Davenport, Andrew Sachs, and Juliet Stevenson. Unfortunately, some material is repeated on the cassette's second side. Moreover, it comes with another tape that consists of excerpts of forthcoming Penguin audiobooks. This edition seems targeted more toward consumers than libraries.?James Dudley, Copiague, N.Y.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
The inspiration for the Broadway hit Cats, this collection of free-verse poems--very British and somewhat dated--describes the exploits and foibles of such felines as contrary and difficult Rum Tum Tugger and laid-back Old Deuteronomy. In this delightful rendering by a British cast, each voice seems to fit the cat's character, like Richard Briers's gruff Growltiger. Most poems are the work of individual readers, but the occasional duets and choral renderings are effective. Unfortunately, in a couple of spots Eliot uses racist terms. Liner notes include a list of the poems and their readers. P.B.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Book Description
Eliot’s famous collection of nonsense verse about cats-the inspiration for the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats. This edition features pen-and-ink drolleries by Edward Gorey throughout.

ANNOTATION

Includes "Cat Morgan Introduces Himself," hitherto unpublished in volume form in the United States.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

An engaging collection of humorous poems. These verses, originally composed to amuse Eliot's intimate friends, have proven irresistible to cat lovers, lovers of nonsense, and admirers of Eliot throughout the English-speaking world.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile - Paul B. Janeczko