The cat has symbolized a host of concepts: good and evil, light and darkness, religion and black magic. This intriguing book traces the history of these fascinating creatures — from vampire and clairvoyant cats to cats in heraldry, as sacrificial objects, and idols of secret sects. Includes 50 black-and-white illustrations.

"Fun, fanciful, and even informative." —People The first comprehensive history of felines—from the laps of pagan gods to present-day status as meme stars—as revealed by a very learned tabby with a knack for hunting down facts Since the dawn of civilization, felines have prowled alongside mankind as they expanded their territory and spread the myth of human greatness. And today, cats are peddled on social media as silly creatures here to amuse humans with their antics. But this is an absurd, self-centered fantasy. The true history of felines is one of heroism, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and gravitas. Not entirely convinced? Well, get ready, because Baba the Cat is here to set the record straight. Spanning almost every continent and thousands—yes, thousands—of years, Baba’s complex story of feline survival presents readers with a diverse cast of cats long forgotten: from her prehistoric feline ancestors and the ancient Egyptian cat goddess Bastet to the daring mariners at the height of oceanic discovery, key intellectuals in the Enlightenment period, revered heroes from World Wars I and II, and the infamous American tabbies. Baba, a talented model in addition to a scholar, goes beyond surface-level scratches, pairing her freshly unearthed research with a series of stunning costume portraits to bring history to life. A paws-on journey through the feline hall of fame, with in-depth research and four-legged testaments that will make you rethink who defines history, A Cat’s Tale is a one-of-a-kind chronicle that introduces readers to the illustrious ancestors of their closest companions and shows, once and for all, that cats know exactly what they’re doing.

Find the Purrfect Spells and Charms for You and Your Feline Friends Deepen the bond between you and your cats as you practice magic together. This wonderful and witchy book is filled with a wide variety of spells, enchantments, and recipes that will improve the life you share with them. From finding and naming a new cat to working with a feline as a familiar, The Little Book of Cat Magic has something for everyone who loves cats and magic. Learn about cats throughout history as well as the myths, folklore, and deities associated with them. Explore spells for living with cats, improving their health, and saying goodbye when their nine lives have run their course. You'll also enjoy crafts and divination techniques involving cats as well as paw-some advice from Deborah Blake's extraordinary familiar, Magic the Cat.

The Mythology and History of Witchcraft serves as an unparalleled compendium that traverses the labyrinth of cultural, historical, and literary perspectives surrounding the enigma of witchcraft. Through a meticulously curated selection spanning essays, historical analyses, folklore studies, and biographical sketches, this anthology unveils the multifaceted phenomena of witchcraft as understood across different epochs and societies. The range of literary styles, from the narrative to the scholarly, not only highlights the diversity within the discourse of witchcraft but also sheds light on seminal works that have significantly shaped or challenged the understanding of witchcraft, without centering on a single authorial voice yet underscoring the collective importance of the contributors. The contributing authors and editors, a veritable whos who of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries intellectual landscape, bring to the table a plethora of backgrounds in literature, history, folklore, and theology. Such a rich array of perspectives aligns with various historical and cultural movements, ranging from the Enlightenment's rational inquiry into superstition to the Romantic fascination with the Gothic and the arcane. In their collective endeavor, these authors not only navigate the complex narrative of witchcraft's history but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical and cultural contexts that have historically vilified or mystified the concept of witchcraft. This anthology is a must-read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history, folklore, and literary criticism, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the discourse of witchcraft through a multi-disciplinary lens. It invites readers to explore the convergence of different narrative styles, themes, and perspectives, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of witchcrafts historical and cultural significance. The Mythology and History of Witchcraft stands as a testament to the richness of collaborative scholarly work, encouraging continued dialogue and exploration into the complex tapestry of human belief and the literary imagination.

"You can use Familiars as guardians during dream or astral work or to protect your home and property. This work shows how to obtain a familiar and work with one, and it also provides cautions and remedies for any problems that may occur in this magical partnership."--

Major thematic areas of the encyclopedia include: Magic: the secret lore, Alchemy, Witches and witchcraft, Devils, demons and angels, Foretelling the future, Birds, plants and animals in myth and folklore, Nature, fertility and creation myths, Rites of passage, Symbols and Meanings, The heroʼs quest, Legendary lands and beasts, Western religions, Eastern religions, Ancient myths and legends, Folklore, primitive beliefs and customs, psychology and the paranormal, The soul, Ghosts, vampires and hauntings, Mystics, Unorthodox Christians, Occultists and theosophists.

An extraordinary collection of myths and facts about horses, their honored place in human history, and the mystique that has surrounded them in cultures around the globe. Horses have always held a mystical sway over the human imagination; no other creature has inspired the same reverence or cross-cultural fascination. The Mythology of Horses offers a comprehensive look at horse breeds around the world, exploring their heritage, physical attributes, and place in human society, as well as the folklore, popular mythology, and true stories surrounding each breed. In this evocative, one-of-a-kind reference, folklorists Gerald and Loretta Hausman present stories from breeders, Olympic equestrians, and cowboys, along with tales about famous horse owners from Buffalo Bill to Roy Rogers, Genghis Khan to Napoleon. Vividly capturing the aura that has surrounded horses throughout time, this collection will fascinate horse lovers of all kinds.

Are you a feline fanatic? Could you tell the difference between a Housecat and an Ojos Azules? Do you want to know how to keep your kitty happy and healthy? The Cat Encyclopedia is a cat compendium with all the facts about cats and kittens. It's packed with beautifully photographed profiles of different breeds, from the Maine Coon to the Khao Manee, and includes information on caring for your own cat. This book explores the cat's place in cultures and includes famous cats in art and literature. In this encyclopedia, you will find: -A breed catalogue outlining all the cat breeds such as Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthair, Khao Manee, Korat, Chinese Li Hua, Asian (Burmilla, Smoke, Self, Tortie, Tabby) and more. -How to care for your cat, including how to Prepare for arrival, essential equipment, vet check-ups, food and feeding, Grooming and hygiene and training your cat. -Facts, images, labelled diagrams and more about cats! This book also offers information on the science and history of house cats. Find out how cats were domesticated and developed into separate breeds, and see their prominence in art, literature, and superstition. A chapter on feline biology focuses on the anatomy of cats - including the nervous system, digestion, and muscles - and also features detailed descriptions of cat senses and coat patterns. With help on cat care - from preparing for your cat's arrival and essential equipment to healthcare and training - The Cat Encyclopedia is the perfect guide for cat lovers.

An intelligent, amusing, and affectionate look at cats in history, literature, and art