A History of Art in 21 Cats

This is a fun, light intro to major artistic movements - a great gift book for cat lovers and artists, and a helpful introductory teaching tool probably for 6th grade and below as each section analyzes and explains several key aspects of the style/cat in question - themes, style, symbols, etc. Nothing groundbreaking here, but the stylized cats are certainly fun, and a bit silly, to look at.

As a cat lover who greatly enjoys art but doesn't know a lot of the history behind classic painting styles, this book was a great find! It presents all of the greatest art movements in history by way of cat versions of paintings such as the Mona Lisa. From there, the symbolism of each item and art technique within the paintings are broken down in plain language, making this topic accessible to a large range of people.

Art scholars and those who've studied art history won't find anything new here - although they may enjoy the book simply for the cat paintings - but this is a very worthwhile springboard for people like myself. It would also be good for students, although it's definitely not written in a simplistic enough style for young children to fully grasp.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

‘Twas the cat’s pajamas when NetGalley approved my request for this meow-ve-lous offering for feline and art lovers. Happily nosed through the colorful pages illustrating art hiss-tory eras, with glorious kitties arrayed in styles akin to Purr-meer, Jackson Paw-llock, Frieda Kat-lo, and many others. Five Tails Up!

Pub Date 13 Aug 2019.

Thanks to the author, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#AHistoryOfArtIn21Cats #NetGalley

This was absolutely perfect for me. I love art and hey, I love me some cats, and you combine them together so that I can learn ABOUT art ?!?! Literally felt like this was made for me. A+

As previously stated I've always loved art, I love looking at it, it makes me feel something and I love that feeling. That being said, I don't know much about it. I can't look at a picture and tell you when it was from or what style it's in. I can't tell you the symbolism or the points made. This book helped with that. It shows you in a colorful, fun way things that I feel like probably a lot of people don't know.

Every aspect of it was perfect. Loved ! Highly recommend.

A charming little book that is a good introduction to art, particularly modern art. For each period or style, Gould has drawn a charming cat that has plenty of elements characteristic of that art. After a short introduction to the subject, she highlights particular aspects of the work and explains how they reflect the period or the artists of that school.

Readers familiar with art history will delight in recognizing artists and movements. Those who are new to the history of art will get a playful introduction that will encourage them to look further.

I just wish she hadn't spent more than half the book on modern art and had spent more time of the period say from Ancient Egypt to the Renaissance which gets a total of one work.

This is a fun and beautiful book of art periods and styles. I enjoyed this and my son was engaged with the book as well. The colorful pictures and adorable cats capture your attention. It’s purrfect for art and cat lovers alike!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Most of all, Dada meant anarchy -- something most cats can relate to."

This is an absolutely charming tour through 21 different art movements, beginning with ancient Egyptian and moving forward in time up to the Young British Artists. Each movement is illustrated with a cat showing typical features of the artists and works associated with that style, a page explaining the movement's background and key points, and then a breakdown of the elements in the cat portrait. It's geared towards younger audiences, but is just delightfully enjoyable, and I learned a lot even having worked in art schools for years myself. Some of the text is peppered with little jokes tying in the cat concept. It's well done, light but still very informative.

"A History of Art in 21 Cats" by Nia Gould is a fun, colorful, fascinating and entertaining little book. Ms. Gould takes the reader from Ancient Egyptian art through the Renaissance to the Post-Modern art movements into present day by "re-creating" famous works of art as cat portraits.

It is an interesting ride as she creates some work of art like Mona Lisa as a cat and then talks about the various aspects of Renaissance art that Da Vinci utilized to create his artwork. She takes the reader through twenty-one eras of art history in this manner and it is fabulous!

One can quickly read through the book looking at the lovely art work, or can meticulously read through each aspect of art she discusses. I feel like this might be a "fun" textbook in an art history class to give students a basic understanding of art history, or for the laymen who may not know the differences between one era from the next.

Overall, I loved this book and fully recommend it to any self-professed art lover!

I received this eBook from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.

Delightful intro to prominent art styles in history using one of my favorite subjects. While I was expecting a light, humorous typical cat lover book, I was quite surprised by the serious intent and execution for depicting each art style. An excellent illustration done in the respective style anchors each section followed by several pages denoting the key components of each style -- colors, artists, symbolism. Even after many college courses in art history, I found this book to be instructive and full of details that I either did not know or had totally forgotten. Even though I received a digital ARC of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review, I will be purchasing this one to keep for my own library.

This was such a fun, fascinating book to read - I love art and I love cats, so this was a PURR-fect fit. I loved the way the author broke down key aspects of the art movements they highlighted and things to keep an eye out for should you find these paintings in the wild. It even helped me understand Impressionism, one of my least favorite art movements. This book is a great primer for western art movements and is accessible to everyone. I hope the author considers doing this for other art movements around the world - I'd love to see this as a continuing series. This is a great book and I can't say enough good things about it.

What a delightful book with three of my passions in one- cats, art and history. It was very interesting to see the various paintings of cats and to learn about the history of the art techniques used. Such a creative book! I loved the colorful pictures of the cats and the breakdown of the various types of art. Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. I have four cats of my own so I love seeing cat art. This books version was so different than other stuff I've seen. So colorful and creative. If you love art and cats then this book is totally for you. Not sure what else to say except it was a great little read and I'd love to own a copy in print!

An art history book told through 21 cats shows art movements beginning with Egypt and ending with modern. Some of the art movements I had never heard of. It was very educational and held my attention because of the cats!

If all educational books could be so entertaining! The illustrations are fabulous. The content is short and succinct – yet powerful in its punch. The combination of illustrations and content will likely lead to vivid recall for the reader. A little knowledge goes a long way towards being able to enjoy art. The book is a fantastic introduction for anyone seeking the basics for each of the 21 art movements included here. For the average person (regardless of age), I imagine it will greatly enhance your future visit to any art museum. The book is truly a delight to devour.

I picked up this book because I own two cats. I quickly shared it with my daughter because she rocks her roll on the high school academic team, and I feel like the format of this book will allow her to enhance her art knowledge quickly. I blog about life – including my daughter and my two cats – at www.Patch405.com.

I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

This book is very clever, funny and yet full of art history. It is a wonderful way to learn about or review art movements. The facts are well researched while the art reflects each period. Covering everything from Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, Fauvism, De Stijl to Abstract Impressionism and more, the book provides a thorough introduction to art movements. I even learned about several art periods that I did not know including CoBrA and the Young British Artists.

For each era, there is one large and other smaller illustrations. There are sections of the painting techniques and the artists of each movement. For example, the Fauves use of bright colors and collage are noted. For this section the illustration is of a cat that could have been painted by Matisse. For on Pop Art there are cat food cans that are recognizable as being in Warhol's style. At the end of the book there is a timeline which provides a helpful additional reference.

I will enjoy going back to this book time and again. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the fun and informative read.

Here is the publisher's description for readers' additional a-mews-ment:

Become litter-ate in the basics of important art movements through a host of beautifully illustrated cats, each one inspired by a specific period in art hiss-tory: Surrealism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, Ancient Egyptian (of course), and many more. From Claude Meow-net to Jackson Paw-llock, these creative cats will introduce you to key themes and artists you won't soon fur-get. Purr-haps even inspiring you to make your own version!

From ancient Egyptian tomb art to modern day graffiti and YBAs, A History of Art in 21 Cats describes and illustrates the principles of 21 different art movements.

Each movement includes a cat illustrating the different characteristics of the art. Many of the cats replicate a particular painting. Though the Warhol soup cans selling “Kitty” that frame the pop art movement cat are rather ironic. Each chapter also includes a one-page summary setting the time and place plus two pages explaining how each kitty represents famous artists’ work.

Using cats to show the differences between art styles is a painless way to learn some art history. You might also get some ideas for your own art project. A History of Art in 21 Cats would make a perfect gift to the budding school-age artist. It would also spark some conversation as a coffee table book. 5 stars!

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This adorable book teaches art in a fun accessible way that kids, teens, and adults will love. I read a copy in pdf on my computer, but I think this would be best read as an actual book. Super fun and adorable for the littlest cat lovers in your life too!

A wonderful guide to art history, this takes the simple subject of a cat and asks how styles of visual art since prehistoric times would have pictured it. Starting with ancient Egyptian and Byzantine techniques, we're soon through the Renaissance and on. I loved this book for the way it gave us a perfectly representational image for every style, but then revealed that each was the sum of several peoples' constituent parts – so, for example the Art Deco moggy had legs because of this, a background because of that, and a framing due to that creator. Any book that is designed for a school audience that can still teach me something (without sounding too big-headed) earns a bonus point, and I'd never heard of the Cobra group of painters – mind, that was not as great an incentive to rate this highly as the namecheck for a certain Radziwill painting I didn't know. It pointedly gives the renaissance as much time as action painting, so this very clever, visually savvy and non-judgemental book must be a prime purchase for school libraries and other interested audiences. The YBA cat is worth the price of admission in itself ("just be grateful it has not been sliced in half"). Too many cat quips in the text is as near as I can see to a fault. Superb.

If you love arts and cats this is a must read.
Wonderful illustrations, interesting texts. A book I strongly recommend!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A History of Art in 21 Cats sweeps through periods of art with feline grace, from ancient Egyptian and Byzantine to Surrealism and Graffiti—using cats to demonstrate techniques and to recreate some of the world’s most well known art.

Nia Gould has developed an intriguing way of making art more accessible, and definitely less dry than a cat-less, yet otherwise identical, book of art history would be. She covers the history of different eras in art, and also features movements in the art scene taking over and being replaced. Reasons for the significance of materials utilized during different times help to accentuate what was important to the artists and what they wanted their audience to see.

Gould’s own art demonstrates methods used in art and why they vary widely: Egyptians used hieroglyphs, eyes, jewels, gold, and color to cast importance onto the things they valued; Byzantine art made use of glazed ceramic tiles and gold leaf to shine brilliantly in candlelight; Degas and Monet were simply obsessed with their impressions of ballerinas and water lilies, respectively; pop art took advantage of new technologies; wild colors, shapes, lines, splatters of paint and photo montages deviated from the traditional ideas or concepts.

The cats of Nia Gould help to show how some artists and movements even challenged the very essence of art, what art was, and what art could be. I’d recommend this book to anyone, though it would make a wonderful gift for cat lovers or those with an interest in art. It’s vibrant, full of pictures, doesn’t go overboard with the amount of information, and is quite memorable.


Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing, Nia Gould, and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley #AHistoryOfArtIn21Cats

(Some of my favorites: Vermeer’s “Cat” with a Pearl Earring, pointillism Cat with Umbrella, the Frida Kahlo felines, the Dali-Magritte-Miró LobsterHatCat.)

This is a cute little book that would be excellent in touching upon forms of painting throughout history.. While far from complete it shows some of the prominent movements utilizing cats as the central image with an explanation of each along with various artists of the movements and their methods, color and light and basic thoughts they presented on how they tried to portray forms and color to evoke feelings. Would be perfect to teach basics to kids as it is that simple while entertaining and amusing to leaf through as adults

I absolutely adored this book and it is one which is fun, engaging and captivating for children and adults alike. The author expertly guides us through art history in relation to 21 key art movements, and the feline friends that have been there alongside! A really fabulous book that I would highly recommend for anyone interested in cats, art, history, creativity, pets, working with children and young people, working in the creative sector, or working with animals.

I have a big grin on my face after reading this book. Such a fun way to approach art history for kids! Having one fun theme (cats!) that varies according to the style exemplified makes the differences in visually and conceptually approachable for a wide audience. I loved it!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you have no idea about the different art movements then this book is for you.
Through gorgeously illustrated cat pictures, Gould introduces and explains 21 different art movements from Ancient Egypt to modern times. It is a great introduction to art history and theory. The illustrations often combine different styles and characteristics of the most prominent artists of that movement which I found really cool.
I honestly wish I had this book when I was in middle school and had to go through art class which was not one of my favorites despite being an amateur painter and art lover in general.
Even if you’re not an art newbie, the cat illustrations and puns are worth giving this book a try.

Cat lovers will be over the moon and anyone with a desire or need to have a quick summary and history of various art movements and styles will find it and have fun here. Pages are beautifully done and worth buying for just the art. Luckily there is move to this book than just pretty pictures and techniques and common used styles are highlighted and discussed as well.

A fun book depicting the cat portraiture through the ages in painted form. The book states off with Egyptian times, meanders through Byzantine, Renaissance, Rocco, Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Art Decor, Pop Art, to names just a few, and ending with Graffiti.
There are lots of tidbits of information along the way, I absolutely love the art decor cat. A fun way to travel through art periods for all ages.

The illustrations in this book were incredible and very informing. This is a wonderful book for cat and art lovers that are just dipping their toes. It is easy to understand and is very informing to the appropriate audience.

A History of Art in 21 Cats by Nia Gould was the purr-fect combination of fun, cute kitties, and education. Gould's playful work is purr-fect for anyone who wishes that she knew a little bit more about art history. This book won't make you into an overnight art history expert (which makes sense, because that isn't her goal), but it WILL use adorable cat paintings to introduce you to the major developments of art history in the Western World.

Each major period of art history is illustrated by a lovely feline painted in the style of that era. Gould then uses several pages to explain some of the details about each cat painting and how those details represent larger trends and defining features of the different movements. The device is clever and a lot of fun to explore. 

I've always been interested in the history of art, but other than a brief brush with an art history class in college, I've never had the opportunity to learn much about art in general. A History of Art in 21 Cats was lots of fun to read. Also, now that I have explored this fun little book, I'm certain that I will more deeply appreciate the works of art I encounter during my next trip to a museum. 

I recommend A History of Art in 21 Cats for all cat lovers and anyone who is interested in learning more about art history. It would also be a helpful tool for art teachers or those who are home schooling their children.

This was such a cute and informative book! I'm an art major and cat lover and this was just so perfect to read!! I can't wait to show off what I learned from this book to my art history professor!

A combination of two of my favorite subjects – art and cats. Starting with images from when cats were actually worshiped (which we all know they’ve never forgotten) and working through the most famous artistic movements of Western Europe and the US, 21 “paintings” of cats depict the elements and embellishments which typify what makes each style unique.

As such, the paintings are not just catified copies of one famous work but rather combine several artists’ elements together such as the Renaissance cat posed like La Gioconda but with a headdress and pearl from Vermeer. Or the Post Impressionist cat with a Van Gogh bandaged ear amidst sunflowers and Cezanne apples who is wearing a Gauguin tropical shirt.

The elements are then broken down and described – highlighting what each artist brought to the particular style being discussed. Further information about the artists and what inspired them enhances each section. By the time I was finished reading it, I’d gained more insight into the various movements and what makes them special. I have to say that the Piet Mondrian kitty is a favorite while the Pointillist cat does shimmer. May I request a future book with Asian, South Asian and African artistic styles? This not only informative but fun. B+

What a fun and informative book! I was expecting something cutesy and not much more, but it was so much more than that. Each cat portrait gives an example of a different type or school of art, combining details that help define that category. The details are then explained individually, citing particular artists in that category that used them, why it was used, what it represented, etc. In doing this, the reader gets a better understanding of different art movements, learns some of the artists involved in the movement, the cultural significance, all kinds of easily accessible, interesting information presented in a fun way. Plus, there's cats!

#AhistoryOfArtIn21cats #NetGalley