January 29, 2007

We note a notice regarding Paul Gourary, who died January 29, 2007.  It was placed by the Grolier Club, which describes itself, 'as first of all, a fellowship of men and women devoted to books and the graphic arts.'

'The members of the Council of the Grolier Club are deeply saddened by the loss of Paul Gourary, a member since 1953, councilor from 1966 to 1981, and an Honorary Member of the Grolier Club since 2001. We will sorely miss the friendship, guidance and sage advice of this extraordinary bookman, and our condolences go to his wife Marianne, his family, and his many friends in the world of books.'

Paul Gourary was Marianne Gourary's second husband. She was later described in an obituary in The New York Times , as having filled "the Manhattan home she shared with her .... husband, ... with a large collection of art and books. Amongst this collection was her cat-themed treasures — largely book illustrations that span humor, beauty and the purely bizarre.' Another article says “She had a strong affection for cats and especially appreciated their company during the later years of her life...” It goes on:

“Cats: The Collection of the late Marianne C. Gourary” includes a 19th-century version of Walter Crane’s “Puss in Boots,” illustrations from cat-inspired writings by the likes of T.S. Eliot and Charles Baudelaire, 40 black-and-white plates from Balthus’ “Mitsou” tale, a Meiji Period satirical novel titled I Am a Cat, a print by Camille Pissarro, and works by the “Raphael of Cats” Gottfried Mind. For the intellectual yet cat-obsessed amidst us, it’s a veritable heaven.'

And for Paul Gourary it was home.