Book description
How cat mania exploded in the early twentieth century, transforming cats from pests into beloved pets.In 1900, Britain and America were in the grip of a cat craze. An animal that had for centuries been seen as a household servant or urban nuisance had now become an object of pride and deep affection. From presidential and royal families who imported exotic breeds to working-class men competing for cash prizes for the fattest tabby, people became enthralled to the once-humble cat. Multiple industries sprang up to feed this new obsession, selling everything from veterinary services to leather bootees via dedicated cat magazines. Cats themselves were now traded for increasingly large sums of money, bolstered by elaborate pedigrees that claimed noble ancestry and promised aesthetic distinction.In Catland, Kathryn Hughes chronicles the cat craze of the early twentieth century through the life and career of Louis Wain. Wain's anthropomorphic drawings of cats in top hats falling in love, sipping champagne, golfing, driving cars, and piloting planes are some of the most instantly recognizable images from the era. His round-faced fluffy characters established the prototype for the modern cat, which cat "fanciers" were busily trying to achieve using their newfound knowledge of the latest scientific breeding techniques. Despite being a household name, Wain endured multiple bankruptcies and mental breakdowns, spending his last fifteen years in an asylum, drawing abstract and multicolored felines. But it was his ubiquitous anthropomorphic cats that helped usher the formerly reviled creatures into homes across Europe.Beautifully illustrated and based on new archival findings about Wain's life, the wider cat fancy, and the media frenzy it created, Catland chronicles the fascinating history of how the modern cat emerged.
About the Author
Kathryn Hughes is emerita professor of life writing at the University of East Anglia and a literary critic for The Guardian. She is the author of Victorians Undone: Tales of the Flesh in the Age of Decorum and George Eliot: The Last Victorian.
Grave Scuttlebutt
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Digital Equinox
Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable.
Bug Blitz
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Stud muffin
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
RedMouth
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Breadmaker
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ
Barbwire
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Mafia Princess
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π
Girl Brownie
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ I can finally listen to all my audiobooks seamlessly with ListenBook. The customizable playback controls and chapter navigation make it a breeze. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very user-friendly.
Club Nola
ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my audiobook experience during daily activities.
Bazooka Har-de-har
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ππ Transforming traffic jams into opportunities for literary exploration β this app keeps me engaged on the road! ππ§ Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
DriftDetector
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover.
Steel
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic!
Dove Dolce
This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
Pinball Wizard
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Winter Bite
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant. Easy chapter access and smooth playback. Love this app!
CirrusFlash
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
ReiGnZ
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions.
Apex
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! ListenBookβs interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Dallas Foxface
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a revelation. It enhances the audio quality and makes listening comfortable.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience