In the original dust jacket. Grey cloth binding with gilt title on the spine.

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Cats were illustrated in medieval manuscripts throughout the Middle Ages, often in exquisite detail and frequently accompanied by their natural prey, mice. Medieval cats were viewed as treasured pets, as fearsome mousers, as canny characters in fables, as associates of the Devil and as magical creatures.

Featuring an array of fascinating illustrations from the British Library’s rich medieval collection, Cats in Medieval Manuscripts includes anecdotes about cats – both real and imaginary – to provide a fascinating picture of the life of the cat and its relationship with humans in the medieval world.

Review: It combines two of my favourite things: cats and medieval history! A wonderful book ideal as a gift for anyone who loves either of those things or is interested in the history of illustration. It’s a slim but not overly slim volume and ideal for someone who perhaps is convalescing and wants a nice, undemanding volume to while away the time. I would ordinarily say ideal as a gift for someone in hospital but we are in time of Covid-19 so no hospital visits are allowed.

Kathleen Walker-Meikle completed her PhD at University College London on late medieval pet keeping. She is currently a research fellow at King’s College London and writes on medieval and early modern animals and medicine. She is also the author of Medieval Pets (2012) and Medieval Dogs (2013).