The Book, Cat, & Cat Book Lovers Almanac

of historical trivia regarding books, cats, and other animals. Actually this blog has evolved so that it is described better as a blog about cats in history and culture. And we take as a theme the advice of Aldous Huxley: If you want to be a writer, get some cats. Don't forget to see the archived articles linked at the bottom of the page.

July 28, 2009

July 28, 1866

There is an ancient Hindu sculpture, one of the few of domestic felines in Hindu sculpture, which shows a cat pretending to be a holy man, in order to entice mice to come close. This is one of the earliest renditions of the cat as a master of deceit. The enduring picture is repeated many times,in global history, with the rat always being suckered in. Even Beatrix Potter, had her own version in a story called, "The Sly Old Cat", (1906) about a cat who invited a rat to tea. Beatrix Potter was born on July 28, 1866.

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