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.

March 18, 2012

March 18, 1840

William Cosmo Monkhouse (March  18, 1840 to July 20, 1901), was a British author. He worked for the Board of Trade, but lived for writing. His criticism is what is remembered today. He was one of the original contributors to the Dictionary of National Biography. His books include:

Life of Leigh Hunt, (1893)
The Life and Work of Sir John Tenniel, R. I. (1901)

and a book on William Etty, Pictures by William Etty: with descriptions and a biographical sketch of the painter, (1874). Etty had a reputation as a painter of classical scenes and was admitted to the Royal Academy in 1828. Monkhouse includes the story of how Etty's talent was recognized after his uncle set him to drawing cats, as a youth. This task revealed Etty's  talent.

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