Book review - Catland by Kathryn Hughes

Have you seen the movie The Electrical Life of Louis Wain? I haven’t, but after reading this book, I definitely will.

Through the life of Louis Wain, Kathryn Hughes tells a complex story of Victorian times, and our changing attitudes to cats and animals in general, and our view of their place in the world. All in the context of the rapidly changing world of women’s suffrage, industrial revolution and The Great War.

Expect stories that are weird and delightful but also often show human cruelty - to both non-human and human animals. Hughes writing is clear and engaging and the book is full of archival images. I highly recommend getting a physical copy, so you can fully appreciate colorful reproductions of Louis Wain’s works.