They were worshipped as gods by the ancient Egyptians, and down through the centuries they've been admired and kept as pets by cultures all over the world. Enigmatic, aloof, and independent, cats remain to this day the most enthralling of domestic animals. Now, the noted team consisting of animal writer Tamsin Pickeral and award-winning photographer Astrid Harrisson present a richly detailed and sumptuously illustrated history of the cat. Their beautiful new book traces the long, colorful, often tumultuous history of domesticated cats from their glory days in Egypt to the present time. Explored in these pages are:<BR><BR><LI>The diverse roles of cats in different cultures<LI>The intriguing stories behind more than 50 feline breeds<LI>The origins of selective breeding and the history of cat shows<BR><BR>Readers will also take pleasure in wonderful color photos that include candid pictures of the lithe-bodied Abyssinian, the traditional longhaired Balinese, the lop-eared Scottish Fold, the green-eyed Russian Blue with its stunning silver-blue coat, the Tabby, beloved in countless homes as a household pet, and many, many more. Here, in an extraordinarily handsome oversize volume, is a comprehensive reference book and a unique visual experience--an exquisite showcase of cats in all their splendor. Printed throughout in full color, <i>The Elegance of the Cat</i> features approximately 400 gorgeous photos.